Work

Invasive Aspergillosis Masquerading as Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: A 25-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus who was taking steroids came to the hospital because of vague signs and symptoms of weight loss, constipation, and oral ulcers. Multiorgan dysfunction developed, and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome was suspected. She was treated with an intravenous infusion of heparin, but she experienced a subdural hemorrhage and died on day 10 of the hospitalization. An autopsy revealed disseminated invasive aspergillosis. This case illustrates that invasive aspergillosis is a frequently missed diagnosis and should be part of the differential diagnosis for any patient who is immunosuppressed, including patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Source: American Journal of Critical Care

DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2013659

Authors: Kathryn S. Robinett, Bethany Weiler, Avelino C. Verceles

Institution: University of Maryland Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Aging