Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis masquerading as a parafalcian mass: case report.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi is a rarity. However, about four cases have been reported in the literature. The disease remains mostly fatal despite employment of new treatment modalities. CASE: An 18-year-old boy presented seizures of recent onset. Two years back, he developed cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis after a splinter scratch on his chest wall. Imaging revealed a contrast enhancing parafalcian solid mass. Right frontal parasagittal craniotomy was performed and the lesion resected as much as possible, followed by IV amphotericin B and oral itraconazole treatment. The patient has been doing well during a 15-month follow-up period. DISCUSSION: Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is an extremely rare lesion, which could masquerade as a parafalcian mass. Radical surgical removal together with antimicrobials remains the cornerstone treatment of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis.