ASPERGILLUS ARTHRITIS OF THE SHOULDER IN A RENAL-TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT- FAILURE OF ITRACONAZOLE THERAPY

We report a case of Aspergillus arthritis of the shoulder in a renal t ransplant recipient. Cultures of three joint fluid specimens grew Aspe rgillus fumigatus. Itraconazole as sole treatment resulted in initial clinical and roentgenographic improvements but failed to prevent deter ioration in joint function, A relapse with fatal neurologic involvemen t occurred, Immune deficiency-inducing risk factors for aspergillosis include neutropenia and corticosteroid therapy, Previously published c ases of Aspergillus arthritis of limb joints are reviewed. The advanta ges and limitations of itraconazole as single drug therapy are outline d.