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Imaging of isolated cerebral mucormycosis. A report of three cases
H Cuellar1, R Riascos, E Palacios
1Department of Endovascular Therapy , Interventional Neuroradiology Fellow, Clinica Nuestra Señora del Rosario; Madrid, España - dr.hcuellar@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Mucormycosis is a rare infection in immunosupressed patients caused by fungi from the family Mucoraceae. Three types of disease spread have been described: rhinocerebral, systemic and isolated. Isolated spread is the most uncommon form, usually resulting in death. It has been described in diabetics, immunosupressed patients and intravenous drug abusers. Neuroimaging can aid the diagnosis of this entity, but biopsy remains the only reliable method. Imaging findings of Mucormycosis include abscesses and hemorrhagic or ischemic infarcts, usually in the basal ganglia and frontal lobes. Single or multiple lesions have been described as well as meningoencephalitis. Understanding these findings can help to detect the infection in an early stage. We describe three cases of isolated cerebral mucormycosis; all of them were intravenous drug abusers with one patient also being HIV positive.
Insights
Isolated cerebral mucormycosis is a rare, often fatal infection in immunocompromised individuals, particularly intravenous drug abusers. Early detection through neuroimaging is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention in these high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by Mucoraceae, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients.
- It presents in rhinocerebral, systemic, and isolated forms, with isolated cerebral mucormycosis being the most uncommon and often fatal.
- Risk factors include diabetes, immunosuppression, and intravenous drug abuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and neuroimaging findings of isolated cerebral mucormycosis.
- To highlight the importance of neuroimaging in early detection.
- To present three case studies of this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Case series review of three patients with isolated cerebral mucormycosis.
- Analysis of neuroimaging findings (MRI, CT).
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation and risk factors.
Main Results:
- Neuroimaging revealed characteristic findings such as abscesses, hemorrhagic or ischemic infarcts in the basal ganglia and frontal lobes.
- Lesions were single or multiple, with some cases presenting meningoencephalitis.
- All three described cases involved intravenous drug abusers, with one patient also being HIV positive.
Conclusions:
- Isolated cerebral mucormycosis is a rare but severe infection, often seen in intravenous drug abusers.
- Neuroimaging plays a vital role in the early diagnosis of cerebral mucormycosis.
- Prompt recognition of imaging findings can lead to earlier intervention and potentially improve outcomes.
