Asymptomatic Histoplasma Pylephlebitis in an Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipient: A Case Report and Literature Review

Mycopathologia. 2019 Feb;184(1):177-180. doi: 10.1007/s11046-018-0265-6. Epub 2018 May 22.

Abstract

Histoplasma capsulatum is one of the most common pathogenic dimorphic fungi in Thailand. Its usual clinical syndrome is progressive disseminated histoplasmosis, whereas isolated hepatic histoplasmosis is extremely rare. Here, we report the world's first reported case of hepatic histoplasmosis with pylephlebitis in a 45-year-old Thai male who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation due to hepatitis B cirrhosis. Histopathology of the recipient's liver showed infiltration of fungal organisms in portal vein and hepatic granulomas. Serum H. capsulatum antibody was positive, and molecular identification from the liver revealed the DNA of H. capsulatum.

Keywords: Histoplasma capsulatum; Histoplasmosis; Liver transplant; Pylephlebitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Fungal / blood
  • Asymptomatic Diseases
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / surgery
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Histoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Histoplasmosis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
  • Portal Vein / pathology*
  • Thailand
  • Thrombophlebitis / diagnosis*
  • Transplant Recipients*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Fungal