Neuroimaging features of cerebral aspergillus abscess: Case report

BackgroundWith the global growth of immunocompromised patients, the incidence rate of aspergillus infections in central nervous system increased accordingly. Aspergillus abscess is a typical phenotype of aspergillus infections in central nervous system, and is tended to be confused with tumors. Neuroimaging features with careful observation and detailed history-taking can help to make final diagnosis.Case descriptionWe report a case of central nervous system aspergillus abscess which was misdiagnosed as tumor before surgical operation. The patient had diabetes and chronic bronchitis history for many years and received treatment for lobar pneumonia half a year ago. According to examinations of CT and MRI, isodensity or isointensity mass were shown on nonenhanced scanning, and honeycomb-like enhanced with mild crenate-like rim were shown on enhanced scanning. On follow-up MRI study after surgical operation, the similar neuroimaging features were shown in the recurrent lesion.ConclusionCerebral aspergillus abscesses possess some degree neuroimaging features on traditional CT/MR imaging. Combined with patient's clinical history, CT/MRI examination could facilitate early diagnosis of aspergillus abscesses in central nervous system.