Computed tomography of intracranial aspergillosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Intracranial aspergillosis is a severe fungal infection affecting the brain.
• It predominantly occurs in immunocompromised individuals, posing diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze cranial computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with confirmed intracranial aspergillosis.
• To correlate imaging findings with clinical presentation and autopsy results.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of cranial CT scans from five patients.
• Autopsy confirmation of intracranial aspergillosis in all cases.
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical symptoms (lethargy, fever, pulmonary infection).

Main Results:

• CT scans revealed subtle low attenuation abnormalities.
• Minimal mass effect and poor contrast enhancement without ring configuration were observed.
• The CT findings did not accurately reflect the extent of intracranial parenchymal destruction.

Conclusions:

• Cranial CT may exhibit a deceptively benign appearance in intracranial aspergillosis.
• Radiologists and clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for aggressive fungal infections despite non-specific imaging findings in immunocompromised hosts.