Abstract
We report a rare case of cervical epidural abscess caused by Aspergillus infection. An 82-years-old male presented with complete left hemiplegia in the upper and lower limbs. Cervical MRI demonstrated a mass compressing the cervical spinal cord from the left side. The mass showed high intensity in the T2 WI and low intensity in the T1 WI, and its surface was enhanced by GD. The laboratory data revealed no evidence of an inflammatory response, such as WBC or CRP elevation, but β-D glucan was positive. Further examination showed a positive response for Aspergillus antigen and antibody. Therefore we made a diagnosis of epidural abscess caused by Aspergillus, and started intravenous administration of fungicide. Two months later, the abscess had disappeared and the hemiplegia had improved.
This was considered to be a rare case of epidural abscess caused by Aspergillus. Cases like this showing a minimal inflammatory response require examination for fungal antigens to allow early diagnosis and treatment.
