Disseminated histoplasmosis presenting as a unilateral cranial nerve VIII mass: a case report.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-1-2006

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report a unique presentation of disseminated histoplasmosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report.

SETTING: University hospital, tertiary referral center.

PATIENT: Our patient presented with vertigo, tinnitus, and unilateral hearing loss, and was initially found to have a 5-mm enhancing left internal auditory canal mass, as revealed by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Subsequently, the patient developed multiple focal neurologic deficits.

INTERVENTIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging and treatment with intravenously administered amphotericin B, with subsequent oral administration of itraconazole.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical presentation and imaging findings of Histoplasmosis involving the cranial nerve VIII.

RESULTS: A subsequent MRI scan revealed enlargement of the initial lesion and multiple parenchymal lesions. Further workup revealed a pulmonary lesion; the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis was made on the basis of bronchoalveolar lavage culture.

CONCLUSION: Infectious processes, including disseminated histoplasmosis, should be considered in the differential of internal auditory canal masses, especially in the setting of rapid progression of symptoms.

Volume

27

Issue

7

First Page

1014

Last Page

1016

ISSN

1531-7129

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

17006352

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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