Aspergillus spinal epidural abscess: case presentation and review of the literature

Abstract

Study design: In this review, we present a case of Aspergillus spinal epidural abscess (ASEA) and review the literature. Objectives: To provide further insight on a rare condition. Setting: A description of a patient with ASEA in a 58-year-old woman that was successfully treated with conservative management is presented. Methods: Following case presentation, a literature search (MedLine and PubMed) and assessment of epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes is performed. Results: Review of the literature finds 26 reported cases. The infection occurs in males with a higher frequency (66.7%). The thoracic and lumbar regions are more likely afflicted (96.1%). Common symptoms are backache, neurological deficits, and fever. Most frequent comorbidities were malignancy, diabetes mellitus, and immunodeficiency. Complications were numerous and often catastrophic. Treatment entailed a combination of antibiotics and surgery. Overall, ASEA patients did poorly: death in majority (52%), minimal recovery in 22%, and others did attain full recovery (26%). Conclusions: Generally, this infection has high morbidity and mortality. Early identification is important to a successful outcome. Appropriate management with antifungals is central and proves to be effective as seen in the reported case though surgical intervention is usually a necessity as the literature suggests. From an epidemiological and public health perspective, particularly with recent outbreaks, understanding the treatment of this rare CNS infection becomes even more imperative.