São Paulo Medical Journal ()

Paracoccidioidomycosis in the spine: case report and review of the literature

  • José Alexandre Lopes da Silva Alvarenga,
  • Délio Eulálio Martins,
  • Michel Kanas,
  • Hugo Gustavo Kunzle Elizeche,
  • Adriana Macêdo Dell'Aquila,
  • Eloy De Avila Fernandes,
  • Marcelo Wajchenberg,
  • Eduardo Barros Puertas

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1516-3180.2015.02691801
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 134, no. 3
pp. 263 – 267

Abstract

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ABSTRACT: CONTEXT: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic form of mycosis that spreads hematogenously, secondarily to reactivation of lung infection or infection at another site or to new exposure to the causative agent. Few cases of bone involvement have been reported in the literature and involvement of the spine is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of a 68-year-old male patient with spondylodiscitis at the levels L4-L5 caused by presence of the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which was diagnosed through percutaneous biopsy. The patient was treated with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim for 36 months, with complete resolution of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: Spondylodiscitis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is uncommon. However, in patients with chronic low-back pain who live or used to live in endemic regions, this infection should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis.

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