Computed tomography of disseminated coccidiodomycosis

Fifteen cases of disseminated cerebral coccidioidomycosis (DCC) were evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Of the 14 patients with abnormal CT scans, all but 2 showed definite evidence of hydrocephalus. Abnormalities of the basal cisterns were present on non-contrast scans in 8 cases (53%). Ten (67%) demonstrated abnormal contrast enhancement of basal cisterns and other cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces. White-matter lesions were detected in 6 cases (40%). Hydrocephalus usually follows abnormal enhancement of basal cisterns. A consistent relationship between active disease (as diagnosed by CSF complement fixation titers) and contrast enhancement could be demonstrated only in the first weeks of the illness.