Scedosporium cerebral abscesses after extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Background: Scedosporial infections are usually encountered in the immunocompromised patients. However, they are now emerging in the immunocompetent population and have an affinity for the central nervous system. They represent a therapeutic challenge, since they are highly resistant to most antifungal medications. Methods: We report the case of an immunocompetent patient with multiple cerebral abscesses secondary to Scedosporium apiospermum following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and review the literature about this challenging cerebral infection. Results: A previously healthy 33-year-old male admitted to the hospital for a community-acquired pneumonia requiring ECMO subsequently developed multiple cerebral abscesses. He was empirically treated with caspofungin, which was changed to voriconazole once surgical aspiration revealed Scedosporium apiospermum. Despite multiple aspirations, decompressive craniectomy to alleviate intracranial pressure, and an appropriate antifungal agent, the patient did not survive this aggressive infection. Conclusion: Brain abscesses with Scedosporium apiospermum present a therapeutic challenge. High clinical suspicion leading to early appropriate antifungal therapy and combined surgical interventions might improve the prognosis.