Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
08:01

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology

Published on: March 22, 2012

29.7K

Optic Neuropathy and Stroke Secondary to Invasive Aspergillus in an Immunocompetent Patient

Carrie M Hersh1, Seby John, Adnan Subei

  • 1Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (CMH), Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada; Cerebrovascular Center (SJ), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Neuroscience Institute (AS), Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, Florida; Mellen Center of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research (MAW), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology (GSK), Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute; Department of Anatomic Pathology (RAP); and Section of Neurologic Infectious Disease (AB), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology : the Official Journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
|April 1, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Angioinvasive aspergillosis, a severe fungal infection, can present as optic neuropathy, mimicking other conditions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as steroids may worsen this aggressive central nervous system infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Angioinvasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening fungal infection requiring prompt treatment.
  • Optic nerve involvement by Aspergillus can be misdiagnosed as optic neuritis.
  • Corticosteroid treatment can exacerbate Aspergillus infections.

Observation:

  • A unique case of disseminated central nervous system aspergillosis is presented.
  • The initial presentation mimicked optic neuropathy.
  • The patient subsequently experienced strokes in multiple vascular territories.

Findings:

  • Disseminated central nervous system aspergillosis can manifest initially as optic neuropathy.
  • Aspergillus infection can lead to stroke in various vascular distributions.
  • Misdiagnosis due to mimicry of inflammatory conditions can delay critical treatment.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in unexplained optic neuropathies.
  • Emphasizes the potential for aggressive angioinvasive aspergillosis to cause cerebrovascular events.
  • Underscores the need for early diagnostic workup and avoidance of potentially harmful treatments like steroids in suspected cases.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Developing Precise and Clinically Relevant Models for Studying Secondary Degeneration in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy04:02

Author Spotlight: Developing Precise and Clinically Relevant Models for Studying Secondary Degeneration in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

Published on: November 29, 2024

1.6K
Concomitant Isolation of Primary Astrocytes and Microglia for Protozoa Parasite Infection09:34

Concomitant Isolation of Primary Astrocytes and Microglia for Protozoa Parasite Infection

Published on: March 18, 2020

8.2K

Related Concept Videos

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...
8
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.6K
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K