scholarly journals Cerebral aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in AIDS patient: first culture - proven case reported in Brazil

2005 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
José E. Vidal ◽  
Rafi F. Dauar ◽  
Marcia S.C. Melhem ◽  
Walderez Szeszs ◽  
Sandra R.B.S. Pukinskas ◽  
...  

Cerebral aspergillosis is a rare cause of brain expansive lesion in AIDS patients. We report the first culture-proven case of brain abscess due to Aspergillus fumigatus in a Brazilian AIDS patient. The patient, a 26 year-old male with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and history of pulmonary tuberculosis and cerebral toxoplasmosis, had fever, cough, dyspnea, and two episodes of seizures. The brain computerized tomography (CT) showed a bi-parietal and parasagittal hypodense lesion with peripheral enhancement, and significant mass effect. There was started anti-Toxoplasma treatment. Three weeks later, the patient presented mental confusion, and a new brain CT evidenced increase in the lesion. He underwent brain biopsy, draining 10 mL of purulent material. The direct mycological examination revealed septated and hyaline hyphae. There was started amphotericin B deoxycholate. The culture of the material demonstrated presence of the Aspergillus fumigatus. The following two months, the patient was submitted to three surgeries, with insertion of drainage catheter and administration of amphotericin B intralesional. Three months after hospital admission, his neurological condition suffered discrete changes. However, he died due to intrahospital pneumonia. Brain abscess caused by Aspergillus fumigatus must be considered in the differential diagnosis of the brain expansive lesions in AIDS patients in Brazil.

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumit Thakar ◽  
Yasha T. Chickabasaviah ◽  
Alangar S. Hegde

Invasive craniocerebral aspergillosis, often encountered in an immunocompromised setting, is almost uniformly fatal despite radical surgical and medical management, and is frequently a necropsy finding. The authors report a unique, self-resolving clinical course of this aggressive infection in a 10-month-old infant. The infant was brought to the emergency services in altered sensorium with a 1-week history of left-sided hemiparesis, excessive irritability, and vomiting. An MRI study of the brain revealed multiple, heterogeneously enhancing lesions in the right cerebral hemisphere with mass effect. The largest lesion in the frontotemporal cortical and subcortical regions was decompressed on an emergent basis. Histopathological findings were suggestive of invasive aspergillosis, although there was no evidence of the infection in the lungs or paranasal sinuses. Computed tomography–guided aspiration of the remaining lesions and follow-up antifungal therapy were recommended. The parents, however, requested discharge without further treatment. The child was seen at a follow-up visit 3 years later without having received any antifungal treatment. Imaging showed resolution of the infection and features of Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome (cerebral hemiatrophy). This report of invasive cerebral aspergillosis resolving without medical therapy is the first of its kind. Its clinicoradiological aspects are discussed in light of previously reported cases.


1979 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 685-690 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Richard Winn ◽  
Michael Mendes ◽  
Paul Moore ◽  
Clarabelle Wheeler ◽  
George Rodeheaver

✓ Experimental evaluation of brain abscess has been inhibited by the lack of a simple and reproducible model in small animals. A stereotaxic headholder and slow infusion of 1 µl of saline, containing a known number of bacteria, were used to produce brain abscess consistently in the rat. The natural history of the brain abscess produced by this technique closely simulated that found in the human clinical situation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Ochi ◽  
Masako Chiyo ◽  
Takamasa Ito ◽  
Hideharu Furumoto ◽  
Toshihiko Sugiura ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal dilated blood vessel that makes direct communication between a pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein and can be associated with hypoxemia or neurological complications, including brain abscess and cerebral infarction. Treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation includes surgical resection and transcatheter embolotherapy, however the adaptation of therapies should be considered when a patient is in bad condition. Case presentation A 51-year-old man was admitted after developing fever, consciousness disorder, and hypoxemia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a brain abscess. Bilateral pulmonary arteriovenous malformations were found by contrast computed tomography. Because of a family history of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, a history of epistaxis, and the existence of oral mucosa telangiectasia, he was diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and brain abscess caused by intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt. The brain abscess improved with antibiotic treatment; however, the administration of oxygen did not ameliorate his hypoxemia. His hypoxemia was exacerbated by positive pressure ventilation. Considering his systemic and respiratory condition, we considered surgery to involve a high degree of risk. After controlling his brain abscess and pneumonia, transcatheter embolotherapy was performed. This improved his systemic condition, enabling surgical treatment. Conclusions This middle-aged patient suffering from brain abscess and severe hypoxemia with multiple pulmonary arteriovenous malformations was successfully treated by a combination of transcatheter embolotherapy and surgery. The adaptation and combination of therapies, as well as the sequence of treatments, should be considered depending on the patient status and lesions.


1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dee J. Canale

✓ The year 1993 marked the centennial of the publication of Sir William Macewen's monograph, Pyogenic Infective Diseases of the Brain and Spinal Cord, and its accompanying volume, Atlas of Head Sections. As Harvey Cushing noted, the text on pyogenic diseases of the brain was a landmark in surgery of the nervous system. At the time of its publication, Macewen's work was the most comprehensive study of pyogenic brain diseases. In this paper the author reviews the state of knowledge of brain abscess existing in the 19th and 20th centuries, with particular emphasis on the late 19th century, and elucidates factors contributing to Macewen's remarkable success. His thorough knowledge of the natural history of pyogenic diseases of the temporal bone and nasal sinuses, in addition to his clear description of cranial anatomy, as illustrated in his Atlas of Head Sections, were especially important in developing his successful treatment of brain abscess. The x-ray had not yet been discovered; Macewen's diagnosis was based on clinical findings superbly illustrated by his three clinical stages of brain abscess development. His clinical observations are as relevant today as when he described them 100 years ago. Macewen recorded 25 cases of brain abscess. Nineteen of these patients came to his attention in time to undergo surgery, resulting in 18 recoveries. All five of his patients with extradural abscess recovered. These results were achieved in the era known as “the most glorious period in British surgery.” Neurosurgery was in its infancy; nevertheless, even as the 20th century closes, Macewen's results still have not been surpassed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athira Unnikrishnan ◽  
Shila Azodi ◽  
Nadeem Ansari ◽  
Megan Brown ◽  
Joshua Kamnetz ◽  
...  

PR3 ANCA is a classic marker of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). There have been several recent reports of increased prevalence of PR3ANCA in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, the clinical implication of which is not well defined. We are reporting a case of 27-year-old Caucasian male with 14-year history of UC presenting with unilateral proptosis, conjunctival congestion, and chemosis who developed acute hemiparesis within three days of hospital admission, followed by rapid neurological deterioration correlating with brain imaging findings. Serologically he had atypical PANCA with high PR3 antibody titer with a negative infectious workup. His cerebral angiogram was normal but the brain biopsy showed necrotizing vasculitis. He was diagnosed with PR3 ANCA mediated cerebral and orbital vasculitis associated with UC. Treatment was initiated with high dose steroids, plasmapheresis, and cyclophosphamide. He improved significantly with residual left hemiparesis.


2007 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zia U. Khan ◽  
Suhail Ahmad ◽  
Eiman Mokaddas ◽  
Tarek Said ◽  
M. P. Nair ◽  
...  

A case of cerebral aspergillosis was diagnosed by the detection of Aspergillus flavus-specific DNA in brain biopsy and serum specimens. The diagnosis was also supported by detection of elevated levels of galactomannan and (1→3)-β-d-glucan in serum specimens. Despite the presence of dichotomously branched septate hyphae in brain biopsy, the culture remained negative. The inability to isolate the organism in culture suggested that combined therapy of AmBisome and caspofungin was fungicidal for the fungus in the brain abscess.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Le Roux ◽  
Sanjeev Gumber ◽  
Rudy W. Bauer ◽  
Nathalie Rademacher ◽  
Lorrie Gaschen

A 6-year-old Boxer was examined because of progressive neurologic signs, with severe hindlimb ataxia and head tilt on presentation. There was no history of diarrhea or vomiting. MRI of the brain revealed multifocal ill-defined T1-enhancing lesions affecting the cerebrum, brainstem, and cervical meninges, without associated mass effect. Meningoencephalitis was considered the most likely diagnosis. Multiple algae were observed on the cytology of the CSF and were most consistent withProtothecaspp. Antiprotozoal treatment was denied by the owners, and 5 weeks after diagnosis, the dog was euthanized due to progression of the neurologic deficits, and a necropsy was performed. Histological changes in the brain were compatible with severe multifocal protothecal meningoencephalitis. The specificProtothecaspecies was not identified. The gastrointestinal tract was unremarkable on histology. According to this report,Protothecaspp. should be included in the differentials for neurological deficits even in the absence of gastrointestinal signs.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Kalanie ◽  
Ali Amini Harandi ◽  
Reza Bakhshandehpour ◽  
Daryoosh Heidari

Tumefactive demyelinating lesion is defined as large solitary demyelinating lesion with imaging characteristics mimicking neoplasm. These atypical features include size more than 2 cm, mass effect, edema, and/or ring enhancement. Distinguishing tumefactive lesions from other etiologies of intracranial space occupying lesions is essential to avoid inadvertent surgical or toxic chemotherapeutic intervention. Symptoms are generally atypical for multiple sclerosis (MS) and usually related to the pressure of a focal mass lesion without a history of MS. The clinical presentation and MRI appearance of these lesions often lead to biopsy. Here, we present a young man with fulminating neurological symptoms and multiple large tumefactive lesions on either hemisphere. Since patient and parents were not agreed on brain biopsy, a course of steroid therapy was commenced which ended to considerable improvement and confirmed the diagnosis of tumefactive MS. Thirteen months later, he experienced another relapse when his treatment was continued by weekly intramuscular injection of interferon b1a (Avonex). Two further MRIs showed shrinkage of tumefactive plaques and resolution of edema in the periphery of lesions.


2021 ◽  
pp. 194187442110212
Author(s):  
Tyler J. Kristoff ◽  
Aaron Shoskes ◽  
Benjamin Claytor

We report a case of a woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus who developed persistent ataxia and was diagnosis with lupus cerebellitis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed T2/FLAIR signal hyperintensity within the cerebellar vermis without mass effect. The patient’s condition improved with pulse IV methylprednisolone. This case highlights unique imaging findings within the cerebellum, our diagnostic and treatment regimen, and compares this case to previous literature on similar cases.


2011 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Oliveira de Paula e Silva ◽  
Rafaela Cabral Gonçalves Fabiano ◽  
Moisés Salgado Pedrosa ◽  
José Roberto Lambertucci ◽  
Luciana Cristina dos Santos Silva

We present the case of a 31-year-old man with acute manifestation of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) as an AIDS-defining disease. The patient presented with a three-day history of neurological disease, brain lesions without mass effect or contrast uptake and a slightly increased protein concentration in cerebrospinal fluid. A serological test for HIV was positive and the CD4+ T-cell count was 427/mm³. Histological examination of the brain tissue revealed abnormalities compatible with PML. The disease progressed despite antiretroviral therapy, and the patient died three months later. PML remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients.


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