Craniocerebral aspergillosis: a review of advances in diagnosis and management.
Craniocerebral aspergillosis is a rare but dangerous central nervous system infection. The infection has a spectrum of presenting features, mostly affecting immunocompromised individuals. The incidence appears to be on the rise that has been especially observed in the immunocompetent population. A high index of suspicion, a comprehensive understanding of the infectious process and advanced laboratory and radiological diagnostic techniques, allow early diagnosis. Surgery, followed by systemic antifungal medications, remains the cornerstone of management. Early administration of empirical anti-fungal agents along with immunomodulators may further improve prognosis. Immunocompetent patients tend to have better outcomes as compared to those who are immunocompromised. Patients with intradural disease carry the worst prognosis.
Shamim
Muhammad Shahzad
MS
Section of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Hamdard University, Karachi.
Enam
Syed Ather
SA
Ali
Rushna
R
Anwar
Saleha
S
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D020953:Neuroaspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D019291:Skull Base / Q000382:microbiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000935:Antifungal Agents