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Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: evaluation with MR imaging
C J Herold1, J Kramer, K Sertl
1Department of Radiology, University of Vienna, Austria.
Radiology
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reveals a target-like appearance in most nodular lesions associated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. This imaging technique may aid in the early diagnosis of this serious fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious fungal infection, often difficult to diagnose early.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
- To characterize the MR imaging findings of pulmonary aspergillosis lesions.
Main Methods:
- MR imaging was performed on 11 patients with suspected invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
- Standard spin-echo sequences and contrast-enhanced scans with gadolinium were utilized.
- Imaging findings were correlated with pathological analysis in one case.
Main Results:
- Nodular infiltrates (37/48 lesions) often exhibited a target-like appearance (hypointense center, hyperintense rim).
- Hyperintense areas within nodular lesions correlated with subacute hemorrhage and Aspergillus organisms.
- Contrast-enhanced MR imaging showed enhanced rims in all 37 nodular lesions.
Conclusions:
- The characteristic target-like appearance on MR imaging is a key finding for diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
- MR imaging's ability to detect hemorrhagic content aids in early diagnosis.
- MR imaging shows promise as a valuable tool for the early detection of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.