Primary Central Nervous System Phaeohyphomycosis: A Review of 101 Cases

摘要: Phaeohyphomycosis refers to infections caused by darkly pigmented fungi. These fungi rarely cause life-threatening disease. We reviewed 101 cases of culture-proven primary central nervous system phaeohyphomycosis reported in the English-language literature from 1966 2002. The most frequently isolated species was Cladophialophora bantiana. next frequent isolate Ramichloridium mackenziei, seen exclusively patients Middle East. More than one-half occurred with no known underlying immunodeficiency. Mortality rates were high regardless immune status. Therapy is not standardized, although combination amphotericin B, flucytosine, and itraconazole may improve survival rates. Newer azoles, such as voriconazole, also have a broad spectrum activity against these fungi, clinical experience limited. Complete excision brain lesions provide better results simple aspiration. An aggressive medical surgical approach warranted treating optimize outcomes.