Acute myelogenous leukemia complicated by acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis due to Aspergillus terreus

Leuk Lymphoma. 2003 Apr;44(4):709-13. doi: 10.1080/1042819031000060573.

Abstract

Infections caused by Aspergillus terreus are rare but have been associated with a poor outcome in immunocompromised patients due to frequent resistance to conventional antifungal therapy. This report describes a case of a woman who developed acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) due to A. terreus during induction chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia. She initially failed to respond to treatment with amphotericin B but the infection resolved following the introduction of oral itraconazole. Opportunistic infections caused by A. terreus are an emerging problem and can be associated with a high mortality rate. Early microbiological diagnosis is critical since resistance to amphotericin B is likely and itraconazole appears to be an effective treatment for this infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aspergillus / metabolism*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative / complications*
  • Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Itraconazole / pharmacology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Itraconazole