Central nervous system (CNS) histoplasmosis occurs in 5-20% of all cases and is most commonly seen in immunosuppressed patients who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or have received organ transplant. The prevalence of histoplasmosis in patients greater than 65 years old between the years of 1999-2008 in the state of Texas was about 2-3 cases per 100,000 patients year. Since 1990 with the discovery of Triazoles, itraconazole (ICZ) has become the standard initial and suppressive therapy in patients with mild-moderate histoplasmosis without CNS involvement. However, poor penetration of ICZ into the brain, in vitro fluconazole resistance and lack of controlled-trials pose challenge in the treatment of cerebral histoplasmosis.
Keywords: cns penetration; histoplasmosis; itraconazole; ring enhancing lesions; treatment failure.
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