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[A case of Aspergillus brain abscess presenting angular gyrus syndrome]

Yoshifumi Imazu1, Takekazu Ohi, Shougo Yazawa

  • 1Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki University School of Medicine, Miyazaki-gun, Japan.

No to Shinkei = Brain and Nerve
|September 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights a rare instance of brain abscess caused by Aspergillus following lung aspergillosis in an alcoholic patient. Surgical intervention successfully treated the brain abscess, improving neurological symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chronic alcoholism is a risk factor for opportunistic infections.
  • Aspergillosis, a fungal infection, can affect various organs, including the lungs and brain.
  • Disseminated fungal infections require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

  • A 45-year-old male with chronic alcoholism presented with fever and diagnosed lung aspergillosis.
  • Treatment for lung aspergillosis led to lesion subsidence but was followed by generalized seizures.
  • CT scan revealed a left parietal lobe brain abscess with a thick capsule.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with a brain abscess secondary to lung aspergillosis.
  • Histopathological examination of the resected brain tissue confirmed Aspergillus hyphae and inflammatory cell infiltration.
  • The patient exhibited angular gyrus syndrome, which resolved post-surgery.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for Aspergillus to cause brain abscesses, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Early diagnosis and aggressive management, including surgical resection, are crucial for favorable outcomes in cerebral aspergillosis.
  • The successful treatment highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in patients with unexplained neurological deficits.

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