Cerebral Aspergillosis Mimicking a Neoplasm in an Immunocompetent Patient

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Cerebral aspergillosis typically manifests as abscesses in immunocompromised patients.
• A rare tumoral presentation of cerebral aspergillosis occurs, predominantly in immunocompetent individuals.

Observation:

• A 22-year-old male presented with complex partial seizures, headache, and blurred vision.
• Initial imaging suggested a cerebral neoplasm due to solid mass-like enhancement.

Findings:

• Histopathology confirmed central nervous system aspergillosis.
• Key imaging clues included T2 hypointensity, irregular frond-like margins, and absence of a choline peak.

Implications:

• Recognizing these imaging features can aid in differentiating tumoral aspergillosis from brain neoplasms.
• This highlights the importance of considering fungal etiologies in mass-like brain lesions.