Aspergillus terreus osteomyelitis

Arch Intern Med. 1977 Jul;137(7):918-20.

Abstract

Aspergillus terreus infection limited to the L1-2 disk space and first and second lumbar vertebrae developed in a patient not predisposed to invasive aspergillosis. The observation of morphologically distinct secondary spores (aleuriospores) on microscopic examination of open biopsy specimens permitted a preliminary identification of A terreus, which was confirmed by culture. The infection was eradicated with amphotericin B in a total dose of 3 gm. Aspergillus terreus is usually a saprophyte. The present case and four others collected from the literature establish this species as an invasive pathogen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillosis / diagnosis*
  • Aspergillosis / pathology
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Region
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnosis*
  • Osteomyelitis / drug therapy
  • Osteomyelitis / pathology
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Diseases / pathology
  • Substance-Related Disorders

Substances

  • Amphotericin B