Chiasmitis caused by Mycobacterium haemophilum in an immunocompromised adult. uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • We report a case of chiasmitis caused by a rare nontuberculous mycobacterium in an immunocompromised patient. A 44-year-old man with a history of AIDS presented with recurrent vision loss and headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an enhancing mass involving the optic chiasm. Histopathologic and microbiological evaluation revealed infection with Mycobacterium haemophilum. While combination antimicrobial and steroid therapy contributed to improvement in his vision, the patient's symptoms recurred. Follow-up MRI showed extension of infection to the hypothalamus and leptomeninges, indicative of basilar meningitis. MRI is a valuable tool for early diagnosis of chiasmitis as well as for monitoring infection progression and treatment response.

publication date

  • February 28, 2014

Research

keywords

  • Eye Infections, Bacterial
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mycobacterium Infections
  • Mycobacterium haemophilum
  • Optic Chiasm
  • Optic Nerve Diseases

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84905976086

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.clinimag.2014.02.012

PubMed ID

  • 24908366

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 38

issue

  • 5