Cerebral aspergillosis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia complicated by Evans syndrome.

Abstract

This case report presents a complex medical scenario involving early 60s female patient with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) complicated by Evans syndrome, characterised by autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and immune thrombocytopenia. The patient had received various treatments, including steroids, rituximab, cyclosporine and acalabrutinib. The patient's neurological symptoms began around 3 years prior to presentation, with shaking of her right leg, followed by shaking of both hands, particularly the left hand. She experienced shaking during activities and at rest. Additional symptoms included voice changes, numbness in the feet, dizziness, faintness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches, walking difficulty, speech changes and back pain. Neurological examination revealed resting tremors, bradykinesia, rigidity and infrequent blinking. An MRI of the brain revealed a 28 mm enhancing intra-axial lesion in the right frontal parietal lobe, accompanied by a 7 mm nodule in the left parietal lobe, both suggestive of neoplastic aetiology. A surgical resection was performed, identifying septate branching fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus species, leading to the diagnosis of cerebral aspergillosis. Voriconazole was initiated and subsequently adjusted based on therapeutic drug levels. The patient's treatment course was complicated by declining platelets, diagnosed as thrombocytopenia, and a positive COVID-19 test result. She received rituximab, immunoglobulin therapy and antifungal treatment adjustments. The patient's clinical condition improved, including a reduction in tremors and regained mobility. This case underscores the challenges of managing a patient with CLL-associated immune complications, cerebral aspergillosis and a dynamic treatment plan. Clinicians must consider individualised therapeutic strategies and monitor for treatment-related complications in complex cases like this one.