Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis due to a novel species: Report of a case and review of the literature

Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is a rare disease caused by dematiaceous (darkly pigmented) fungi. Cladophialophora species are highly neurotropic, and Cla dophialophora bantiana (synonym=Xylohypha bantiana or C. trichoides) is the most commonly identified agent. Most reported cases of cerebral phaeohypho mycosis have occurred in immunocompetent patients; however, some case repor ts and experimental data have suggested that cellular immune deficiency is a risk factor. We report a case of pulmonary and cerebral phaeohyphomycosis in a cardiac transplant patient due to a newly identified species of Clado phialophora. Optimal management includes both antifungal therapy and surger y.