Intraventricular cryptococcal granuloma

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cryptococcal granuloma is a rare fungal infection affecting the central nervous system.
• Intracranial granulomas can mimic other brain pathologies, complicating diagnosis.
• Previous literature lacks detailed imaging findings for intraventricular cryptococcal granuloma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of cryptococcal granuloma within the lateral ventricle.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges posed by this rare presentation.
• To highlight the role and limitations of neuroimaging in differentiating it from other intraventricular tumors.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing clinical presentation and diagnostic workup.
• Review of neuroimaging findings, including angiography and isotope brain scan.
• Comparison with existing literature on intracranial cryptococcosis and intraventricular masses.

Main Results:

• The cryptococcal granuloma was located within the lateral ventricle.
• Angiography and brain scan findings suggested an intraventricular meningioma.
• This is the first reported case with isotope brain scan findings and discusses typical angiographic findings.

Conclusions:

• Cryptococcal granuloma can present atypically within the lateral ventricle, mimicking neoplastic lesions.
• Neuroimaging findings, while suggestive, may not definitively differentiate granuloma from meningioma preoperatively.
• Histopathological examination is crucial for definitive diagnosis of intraventricular cryptococcal granuloma.