Intra-axial posterior fossa cryptococcosis: MRI findings

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection typically seen in immunocompromised individuals.
• Intra-axial posterior fossa infections are rare, especially in immunocompetent hosts.
• This study focuses on cryptococcosis presenting as brain abscesses.

Observation:

• Two cases of intra-axial posterior fossa cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients were analyzed.
• Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was utilized to visualize the lesions.
• Specific imaging findings in the medulla and cerebellum were documented.

Findings:

• Solitary abscesses with mildly irregular peripheral enhancement were observed in the medulla.
• Irregular peripheral enhancement with a nodular component was noted in the right cerebellum.
• These findings highlight unique MR characteristics of posterior fossa cryptococcosis.

Implications:

• The findings expand the understanding of cryptococcosis presentation in immunocompetent patients.
• Recognizing these specific MR findings can aid in early diagnosis and treatment.
• This research contributes to the literature on rare central nervous system fungal infections.