Paracoccidiomicosis in the central nervous system: a case report

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease which can compromise the central nervous system (CNS).We present a case of an immunocompetent 45 year old man from Satipo, Peru who developed paracoccidioidomycosis in the CNS without any apparent point of entry or infection. The patient was diagnosed by imaging with a cerebellar granuloma, followed by a craniotomy where tissue and secretion of the granuloma abscess was obtained. Histological and microbiological diagnoses were performed on the tissue and secretion, respectively. Yeasts were observed in the histological section and growth of the fungus in the culture. The patient initially received antifungals, then acquired an intrahospital infection, received colistin and subsequently died. The case report emphasizes the importance of early and correct diagnosis for good outcomes of paracoccidioidomycosis cases.