Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis (CP), caused by dematiaceous
fungi, is a serious form of
central nervous system fungal infection. It is a
rare disease with
male predominance, no specific symptoms or signs and is associated with grim
prognosis irrespective of the immune status of the
patient. The
disease is difficult to
diagnose antemortem, and many cases are accidentally diagnosed during
surgery or
autopsy. The
early diagnosis and appropriate
treatment remain a challenge. The authors
report a misinterpreted case of CP in a 53-year-old man without immunodeficiency
who showed a favorable outcome after surgical excision and antifungal
therapy. Therefore, CP should be an important differential in cases of
brain abscess.