Isolated central nervous system Aspergillosis infection in a chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient on Ibrutinib: A case report

BACKGROUND: In patients at high risk of opportunistic infections who present with isolated. neurological symptoms, it is lifesaving to consider Central Nervous System Aspergillosis (CNS-A). Ibrutinib use in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has previously been associated with CNS-A. We provide a case report of a patient that presented with primary CNS-A on Ibrutinib therapy without any prior pulmonary or local paranasal signs of infection. CASE PRESENTATION: 74-year-old Caucasian male with CLL and no prior chemotherapy on ibrutinib for 6 months presented with three months of unsteady gait, occipital headache, and confusion. He has a history of pulmonary sarcoidosis on chronic prednisone 5 mg daily and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He was found to have a “brain abscess” on imaging. Emergent craniotomy confirmed Aspergillus and patient was treated with Voriconazole for 6 months. At six-month follow up, repeat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed complete resolution of CNS lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Our case reinforces the importance of being vigilant for isolated CNS-A in CLL patients on ibrutinib who present with neurological symptoms and signs, without prior or co-infection of sino-pulmonary tissue.