ASPERGILLOSIS OF THE CRANIAL BASE

Aspergillus is an ubiquitous organism seldom pathogenic in normal host s. Aspergillus osteomyelitis of the spine occurs rarely in immunocompr omised patients as a result of hematogenous spread from distant foci. We present a case of Aspergillus osteomyelitis in the region of the ju gular foramen in a previously healthy male with no antecedent event. H e presented with dysphagia, hypophonia, and weight loss of several mon ths duration. Diagnosis was delayed due to nonspecific results of vari ous imaging tests. We review the clinical course of fungal osteomyelit is, including appearance on magnetic resonance imaging and computed to mography, culture characteristics, and gross appearance. Current treat ment consists of surgical debridement and antifungal medications such as amphotericin B and itraconazole, and the efficacy of these are disc ussed.