Multiple brain abscesses due to Penicillium spp. infection

Abstract

A 41-year-old man, with chronic liver disease caused by long-term HBV infection (Child–Pugh C), presented to the Emergency Department complaining of bilateral loss of visual fields and dysphasia for 3 days. CT scan and MRI revealed multiple brain abscesses. Stereothacic biopsies revealed fungal infection and amphotericin B treatment was begun with initial improvement. The patient died a few days later as a consequence of massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to ruptured esophageal varices. The final microbiologic analyses disclosed infection by Penicillium spp.