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Published on: October 18, 2017
Actinomycotic brain infection: registered diffusion, perfusion MR imaging and MR spectroscopy
Sumei Wang1, Ronald L Wolf, John H Woo
1Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 219 Dulles Building, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. poptanih@uphs.upenn.edu
Introduction:
Actinomycotic brain infection is caused by an organism of the Actinomyces genus. We report here one such case.
Methods:
The methods used included coregistered diffusion, perfusion and spectroscopic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
Results:
Decreased apparent diffusion coefficient, markedly elevated fractional anisotropy (FA) and reduced cerebral blood flow were observed. MR spectroscopy demonstrated elevated amino acids, acetate and succinate.
Conclusion:
Elevated FA values may be due to the microstructure of this special brain infection.
Insights
This study details a rare case of actinomycotic brain infection, highlighting unique magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings. The research observed distinct diffusion, perfusion, and spectroscopy patterns indicative of this specific infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Actinomycotic brain infection is a rare condition caused by Actinomyces bacteria.
- This report presents a unique case study of this specific brain infection.
Observation:
- Coregistered diffusion, perfusion, and spectroscopic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were employed.
- Key imaging metrics were analyzed to characterize the infection's impact.
Findings:
- Observed were decreased apparent diffusion coefficient and reduced cerebral blood flow.
- Markedly elevated fractional anisotropy (FA) and specific MR spectroscopic findings (elevated amino acids, acetate, succinate) were noted.
Implications:
- The elevated FA values may correlate with the unique microstructure of actinomycotic brain infections.
- These findings contribute to understanding the neuroimaging characteristics of rare brain infections.
