Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Multi-System Involvement and Immunosuppression Presenting With a Rare Fungal Brain Abscess

Abstract

The fungal pathogen Scedosporium apiospermum is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen found in soil and water that can cause severe infection in hosts with impaired immunity. Patients with systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are already at risk for infections given their altered immunity. This can be exacerbated further in patients taking immune-suppressing medications to control their disease status. Here, we present a case of a rare and challenging clinical scenario of a woman with refractory multi-organ SLE on steroids who developed neurologic deficits found to have a brain abscess caused by a unique fungal etiology.