Peritonitis due to Neosartorya pseudofischeri in an elderly patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis successfully treated with voriconazole

Abstract

Aspergillus peritonitis is a rare life-threatening complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). We report a case of symptomatic Neosartorya pseudofischeri peritonitis in a 60-year-old woman treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for 13 months, who performed peritoneal exchanges independently. This is believed to be the first published case of N. pseudofischeri in an elderly patient. Comprehensive treatment included early removal of the PD catheter and the use of voriconazole (200 mg Vfend twice daily) for a period of 5 weeks. This case supports the need for more effective prophylaxis and treatment of non-Candida fungal infections in CAPD patients. Our conclusions from this case and a review of the literature are that infection with this fungus can cause substantial morbidity and is best treated with prompt catheter removal, aggressive antifungal therapy with voriconazole or amphotericin B, and vigilant observation for complications. Our report describes for what is believed to be the first time the administration of voriconazole to treat a Neosartorya peritonitis case.