Cerebral Phaeohyphomycosis in a 48-year-old Immunocompetent Male Patient Treated Successfully by Surgery and Antifungals: A Rare Case from South India

Abstract Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is a rare and frequently fatal clinical syndrome diagnosed in patients with deep-seated cerebral infections secondary to dematiaceous fungi. Such fungi are common soil inhabitants, true pathogens that are known for their neurotropism; however, central nervous system (CNS) seeding may occur through hematogenous route, probably initiated by respiratory colonization consequent to inhalation or through inoculation in the skin of extremities following a slight or minor trauma. CNS phaeohyphomycosis presents with unusual features and is associated with poor prognosis without appropriate treatment.