Neglected extensive Aspergillus osteomyelitis of the pelvis, femur, and vertebra in an immunocompetent patient: A case report.

ABSTRACT

De novo Aspergillus infections of the appendicular skeleton are rare. A 72-year-old female presented with pain and deformity in her left lower limb and an inability to bear weight that had persisted for the last six months. A femur biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of extensive Aspergillus osteomyelitis, and the patient was treated with amphotericin B and oral voriconazole. The patient died of COVID-19 after 2.5 months of treatment. A diagnosis of Aspergillus osteomyelitis may be delayed because of its varied clinical presentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known case of de novo neglected and extensive (multisite, multibone) Aspergillus osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient. This case highlights the importance of awareness in patients and treating physicians of this rare infection and its early diagnosis to prevent extensive spread.