Vascular pythiosis of carotid artery with meningitis and cerebral septic emboli: A case report and literature review

Med Mycol Case Rep. 2018 May 7:21:57-62. doi: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2018.05.003. eCollection 2018 Sep.

Abstract

Vascular Pythiosis caused by Pythium insiodiosum rarely involves carotid artery. A case of concealed ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the carotid artery with neck abscesses, and cerebral septic emboli is described. Patient presented with large pulsatile neck mass that failed to response to surgery, antifungals and immunotherapeutic vaccine. Residual unresectable disease leads to death in the patient. Pythiosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of head and neck infection.

Keywords: Brain; Carotid artery; Meningitis; Pythiosis; Pythium insidiosum.