Next-Generation Sequencing–Based Decision Support for Intensivists in Difficult-to-Diagnose Disease States: A Case Report of Invasive Cerebral Aspergillosis. Issue 5 (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kattner, Simone; Herbstreit, Frank; Schmidt, Karsten; Stevens, Philip; Grumaz, Silke; Dubler, Simon; Rath, Peter-Michael; Brenner, Thorsten
• Is Part Of: A & A practice. Volume 15:Issue 5(2020)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Analgesia -- Periodicals; Analgesia -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Anesthesiology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001447
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2575-3126

Abstract

Abstract : Aspergillus spp. are widespread environmental pathogens that can induce invasive aspergillosis, especially in immunocompromised patients. An 86-year-old female patient presented with a rare case of invasive cerebral aspergillosis. The aspergilloma invaded the intracranial region originating from the ethmoidal sinus and the orbital apex. In contrast to routine diagnostic procedures, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was able to identify the fungal pathogen in the cerebrospinal fluid as well as in plasma samples, supporting the biopsy-based diagnosis of invasive cerebral aspergillosis. Therefore, NGS-based diagnostics may be of particular importance for difficult-to-diagnose disease states, when conventional diagnostic procedures fail.