Fatal Case of Cerebral Aspergillum in an Immunocompetent Patient

Introduction: Cerebral aspergillum is rare and usually misdiagnosed because its presentation mimics tuberculous meningitis, brain abscess, or tumor. The diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) infections due to Aspergillus are very difficult because accurate diagnosis is often made intra-operatively. Case Presentation: Here, we report a case of cerebral aspergilloma in an immunocompetent host. A 35-year-old man admitted with progressive left hemifacial paresthesia followed by severe pain in trigeminal nerve territory. On physical examination, except for fifth nerve palsy and difficult mastication, there was not any sensory and motor deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed T1 iso and T2 low signal lesion in the left parasellar region with enhancement. The lesion is extended to the left side of the prepontine cistern in the course of trigeminal nerve, craniotomy, and total surgical resection of the mass was performed. Isolated brain lesion and the pathology from stereotactic biopsy confirmed cerebral aspergillosis. The result of testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was negative. Although the patient had two subsequent recurrences, at first, good outcome was achieved by treatment with a combination of surgical intervention, and antifungal amphotericin B deoxycholate was administered, then changed to voriconazole. Unfortunately, after two years, he experienced new progressive symptoms, and the patient died despite several reoperations due to malfunctioning of external ventricle devices as well as the treatment of recurrent post-operation meningitis and voriconazole therapy. Conclusions: Most cases of intracranial aspergillosis show that this infection is pathogenic in immunocompromised hosts; however, in some cases, invasive Aspergillus was reported as an opportunistic infection in immunocompetent patients. In these patients, though primary cranial aspergillosis is very rare, it is possible that isolated brain involvement in a previously healthy case may be explained by unknown defects in immune pathways or massive exposure to spores.

Multiple invasive aspergillus brain abscess in an immunocompetent patient without any history of trauma

Aspergillus is a fungus found in the environment. In an immunocompetent person, inhalation of spores may cause localized infection. In immune compromised patients, these fungi can cause life-threatening invasive infections which has high morbidity and mortality. Invasive aspergillosis has a poor prognosis. Intracranial aspergillosis is an extremely rare manifestation of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompetent individuals. A case of 60-year-old immunocompetent male is reported who had multiple Aspergillus brain abscess.

Invasive Sino-Orbital Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Invasive aspergillosis that involves intra-orbital and intracranial extension occurs in immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 38year old farmer who had recurrent fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele and proptosis of the left eye. She presented with a history of hypertension and no other significant findings on examination. Computer tomography scan of the brain showed a left fronto-orbital uniform contrast-enhancing extra-axial lesion with thickened peripheral capsule and an associated left fronto-orbital skull defect. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not show any sign of infection. Intra-operative biopsy sample showed cheesy material which on culture grew Aspergillus species that was identified further using molecular methods. Antifungal agents were used to treat the patient. The present case strongly suggests that it is possible to control intracranial aspergillosis with a combination of surgery and antifungal chemotherapy.

Invasive Sino-Orbital Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Invasive aspergillosis that involves intra-orbital and intracranial extension occurs in immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 38year old farmer who had recurrent fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele and proptosis of the left eye. She presented with a history of hypertension and no other significant findings on examination. Computer tomography scan of the brain showed a left fronto-orbital uniform contrast-enhancing extra-axial lesion with thickened peripheral capsule and an associated left fronto-orbital skull defect. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not show any sign of infection. Intra-operative biopsy sample showed cheesy material which on culture grew Aspergillus species that was identified further using molecular methods. Antifungal agents were used to treat the patient. The present case strongly suggests that it is possible to control intracranial aspergillosis with a combination of surgery and antifungal chemotherapy.

Invasive Sino-Orbital Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Invasive aspergillosis that involves intra-orbital and intracranial extension occurs in immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 38year old farmer who had recurrent fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele and proptosis of the left eye. She presented with a history of hypertension and no other significant findings on examination. Computer tomography scan of the brain showed a left fronto-orbital uniform contrast-enhancing extra-axial lesion with thickened peripheral capsule and an associated left fronto-orbital skull defect. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not show any sign of infection. Intra-operative biopsy sample showed cheesy material which on culture grew Aspergillus species that was identified further using molecular methods. Antifungal agents were used to treat the patient. The present case strongly suggests that it is possible to control intracranial aspergillosis with a combination of surgery and antifungal chemotherapy.

Invasive Sino-Orbital Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Invasive aspergillosis that involves intra-orbital and intracranial extension occurs in immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 38year old farmer who had recurrent fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele and proptosis of the left eye. She presented with a history of hypertension and no other significant findings on examination. Computer tomography scan of the brain showed a left fronto-orbital uniform contrast-enhancing extra-axial lesion with thickened peripheral capsule and an associated left fronto-orbital skull defect. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not show any sign of infection. Intra-operative biopsy sample showed cheesy material which on culture grew Aspergillus species that was identified further using molecular methods. Antifungal agents were used to treat the patient. The present case strongly suggests that it is possible to control intracranial aspergillosis with a combination of surgery and antifungal chemotherapy.

Invasive Sino-Orbital Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Invasive aspergillosis that involves intra-orbital and intracranial extension occurs in immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 38year old farmer who had recurrent fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele and proptosis of the left eye. She presented with a history of hypertension and no other significant findings on examination. Computer tomography scan of the brain showed a left fronto-orbital uniform contrast-enhancing extra-axial lesion with thickened peripheral capsule and an associated left fronto-orbital skull defect. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not show any sign of infection. Intra-operative biopsy sample showed cheesy material which on culture grew Aspergillus species that was identified further using molecular methods. Antifungal agents were used to treat the patient. The present case strongly suggests that it is possible to control intracranial aspergillosis with a combination of surgery and antifungal chemotherapy.