Aspergillosis of the Cranial Base

Abstract

Aspergillus is an ubiquitous organism seldom pathogenic in normal hosts. Aspergillus osteomyelitis of the spine occurs rarely in immunocompromised patients as a result of hematogenous spread from distant foci. We present a case of Aspergillus osteomyelitis in the region of the jugular foramen in a previously healthy male with no antecedent event. He presented with dysphagia, hypophonia, and weight loss of several months duration. Diagnosis was delayed due to nonspecific results of various imaging tests. We review the clinical course of fungal osteomyelitis, including appearance on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, culture characteristics, and gross appearance. Current treatment consists of surgical debridement and antifungal medications such as amphotericin B and itraconazole, and the efficacy of these are discussed.