Pontine cryptococcoma in a nonimmunocompromised individual: MRI characteristics.
The case of a pontine cryptococcoma in a nonimmunocompromised, previously healthy 16-year-old boy is presented. The patient had slowly progressive brainstem signs with right cranial nerves V, VII, and VIII palsies, and contralateral corticospinal and spinothalamic deficits. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) revealed, within the right pons, a 1-cm diameter round mass lesion, hypointense on T1-weighted images, hyperintense on T2-weighted images, and with rim enhancement after infusion of gadopentetate dimeglumine. This is the only report of the MRI findings in an isolated pontine cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient. Early recognition of this specific MRI pattern is essential, because complete recovery can be achieved with prompt antifungal treatment.
Kesler
R
R
Department of Neurology, University of South Alabama, Mobile 36617, USA.
Maertens
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000382:microbiology; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000382:microbiology; D011149:Pons / Q000382:microbiology*; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000382:microbiology; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D013133:Spinothalamic Tracts / Q000382:microbiology; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000382:microbiology; D000160:Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases / Q000382:microbiology
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA