Coccidioidomycosis of the spine in an immunocompetent patient.

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by inhalation of airborne particles of Coccidioides spp. Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in several parts of the South-western US and South America. There are no symptoms in 60% of cases and, when symptoms exist, they usually consist of mild flu-like manifestations or mild lung disease. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis accounts for only 5% of symptomatic cases but can be life-threatening. The main targets of disseminated coccidioidomycosis are the skin, lymphoid tissue, central nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. Prolonged antifungal therapy is required and some patients may need surgical debridement. We report a case of disseminated spinal coccidioidomycosis in an immunocompetent patient.