Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
14:58

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Published on: October 20, 2017

Cerebral vasculitis caused by Aspergillus species in an immunocompetent adult

M Roberts1, A Carmichael, P Martin

  • 1Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 25, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK. Mark.Roberts@cimr.cam.ac.uk

Infection
|December 15, 2004
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of cerebral vasculitis caused by Aspergillus infection in an immunocompetent adult is presented, likely originating from a sinus infection. Postmortem examination revealed extensive fungal infection in cerebral arteries, leading to basilar artery occlusion.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cerebral vasculitis is a rare condition affecting blood vessels in the brain.
  • Aspergillus infections typically occur in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Intracranial fungal infections pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • A case of cerebral vasculitis in an immunocompetent adult is described.
  • The probable source of infection was a paranasal sinus infection.
  • Postmortem examination revealed widespread endovascular Aspergillus infection of cerebral arteries.

Findings:

  • The infection led to occlusion of the basilar artery.
  • This case highlights a rare presentation of Aspergillus in an immunocompetent host.
  • Literature review on intracranial Aspergillus infection and diagnostic advancements is included.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of Aspergillus-related neurological complications.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of sinonasal Aspergillus infections may prevent intracranial spread.
  • Further research into novel diagnostic tools for intracranial fungal infections is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...