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A rare cause of headache in a liver transplant patient –  a case report


Authors: N. Kubánek 1 ;  S. Adamcová Selčanová 1;  D. Žilinčanová 1 ;  K. Šulejová 1 ;  D. Havaj 1 ;  A. Halaj 2;  T. Koller 3 ;  Ľ. Skladaný 1
Authors‘ workplace: II. Interná klinika a HEGITO (Hepatologické, gastroenterologické a transplantačné oddelenie), SZU a FNsP F. D. Roosevelta Banská Bystrica 1;  Oddelenie rádiológie, FNsP F. D. Roosevelta Banská Bystrica 2;  V. interná klinika LF UK a UN Bratislava 3
Published in: Gastroent Hepatol 2026; 80(2): 118-123
Category: Hepatology: Case Report
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccgh2026118

Overview

Invasive fungal infections are among the serious infectious complications in liver transplant recipients, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Aspergillosis is the second most common invasive mycosis, and in most cases, occurs in a disseminated form involving multiple organs. Isolated CNS involvement is considered a rare complication. In this case report, we present a patient who underwent liver transplantation and developed headaches in the early post-transplant period, which were later accompanied by visual disturbances. Several months after the onset of symptoms, a definitive dia­gnosis was established only after histological examination of a lesion located on the sphenoid bone of the skull, confirming an infection caused by Aspergillus spp. The patient was started on antifungal therapy according to the infectious dis­ease specialist’s recommendations, with subsequent frequent monitoring of immunosuppressant levels during outpatient fol­low-up.

Keywords:

liver transplantation –  invasive fungal infections –  aspergillosis


Sources

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Paediatric gastroenterology Gastroenterology and hepatology Surgery

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