Cladophialophora Bantiana: A Rare Intracerebral Fungal Abscess—Case Series and Review of Literature

Abstract

<b>Background</b> Intracerebral <i>Cladophialophora bantiana</i> may carry up to a 70% mortality rate despite advances in surgical resection capabilities and the use of both systemic and intrathecal antifungal treatments. <b>Objectives</b> The authors examined a retrospective case series of two patients with intracerebral infection from the rare, neurotropic fungus <i>Cladophialophora bantiana</i> and conducted a literature review to evaluate optimal therapies. <b>Patients/Methods</b> At our institution, the patients' cases presented with raised intracranial features of headache, visual field cut, and/or memory loss, with a correspondingly wide variety of radiological differential diagnoses. It was the microbiological, histopathological, and genomic identification of <i>C. bantiana</i> that ensured targeted, individualized patient therapies. <b>Results and Conclusions</b> Successful treatment depends on obtaining a complete surgical resection, an accurate microbiological diagnoses for mold identification, and an effective long-term, personalized antifungal treatment. Close radiographic surveillance is necessary to ensure complete eradication of pheoid fungi.