Invasive aspergillosis of the central nervous system.
Advancing technology permits aggressive medical interventions that are often lifesaving, yet place the patient's immune system in temporary jeopardy. During the interval of immunocompromise, physicians must maintain vigilance for opportunistic infection by saprophytic organisms such as Aspergillus. Although the lung is the most common site of infection by this fungus, subsequent hematogenous dissemination with central nervous system involvement may occur. Currently, the majority of Aspergillus infections of the central nervous system remain unrecognized until the patient's demise. The clinical and pathological features of aspergillosis of the central nervous system are reviewed in order to promote earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Bhupalam
L
L
University of Louisville School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, KY 40202.
Bhupalam
R
R
Roy
T M
TM
Powers
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male