Skull Base 2008; 18(6): 405-409
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1087222
CASE REPORT

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Intracranial Aspergillus Infection Associated with an Amyloid Tumor and Lymphoma

B. Dhamija1 , M.F. Hassan1 , H. Thambinayagam1 , A. Moore1 , W. Adams1 , D. Hilton1
  • 1South West Neurosurgical Centre, Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
07 October 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Intracranial aspergillus infection is an uncommon finding. The importance of a high index of clinical suspicion, coupled with an early diagnosis, can potentially be lifesaving. We illustrate the case in a patient who developed right-sided visual disturbance and facial paresthesia, where radiological diagnosis was meningioma but histopathology revealed an amyloid tumor with synchronous aspergillus infection and lymphoma at the same site. This diagnosis should always be considered, especially in immunodeficient patients, using a combination of neurological and thoracic imaging and histopathology of a resected specimen.

REFERENCES

  • 1 Maschmeyer G, Haas A, Cornely O A. Invasive aspergillosis: epidemiology, diagnosis and management in immunocompromised patients.  Drugs. 2007;  67 1567-1601
  • 2 Alapatt J P, Kutty R K, Gopi P P, Challissery J. Middle and posterior fossa aspergilloma.  Surg Neurol. 2006;  66 75-78
  • 3 Dubey A, Patwardhan R V, Sampth S, Santosh V, Kolluri S, Nanda A. Intracranial fungal granuloma: analysis of 40 patients and review of the literature.  Surg Neurol. 2005;  63 254-260
  • 4 Herbrecht R, Denning D W, Patterson T F et al.. Voriconazole versus amphotericin B for primary therapy of invasive aspergillosis.  N Engl J Med. 2002;  347 408-415
  • 5 Siddiqui A A, Bashir S H, Ali Shah A et al.. Diagnostic MR imaging features of craniocerebral aspergillosis of sino-nasal origin in immunocompetent patients.  Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2006;  148 155-166
  • 6 Gupta R, Singh A K, Bishnu P, Malhotra V. Intracranial aspergillus granuloma simulating meningioma on MR imaging.  J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1990;  14 467-469
  • 7 Sameshima T, Morita Y, Yanagita M, Goya T, Wakisaka S, Nabeshima K. Meningotheliomatous meningioma accompanied by aspergillosis at the skull base.  Brain Tumor Pathol. 1998;  15 107-110

M.F. Hassan

16 Barwell Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne

NE4 8AQ, United Kingdom

Email: faizul.hassan@doctors.org.uk