Voriconazole-induced periostitis post lung transplantation

Abstract

Voriconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal used to treat invasive fungal infections. It is commonly used prophylactically in immunocompromized patient cohorts, including transplant recipients. Diffuse periostitis is a very rare complication of chronic voriconazole use. It is associated with diffuse bone pain, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and fluorine levels. Characteristic imaging findings include periosteal thickening with a dense, nodular, irregular and often bilateral pattern. We describe the case of a 71-year-old female who presented with multifocal bone pain six years following double lung transplantation. Her post transplantation course had been complicated by a life threatening episode of sepsis secondary to Scedosporium apiospermum, a rare invasive fungal infection following which lifelong prophylaxis with oral Voriconazole was commenced. We discuss the characteristic clinical and imaging manifestations of this rare condition.