title: Clinical Features and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in 7 Dogs with Central Nervous System Aspergillosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Systemic aspergillosis is a manifestation of Aspergillus sp. infection that can result in central nervous system (CNS) involvement with marked alterations in CNS function. Information regarding the clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in cases of aspergillosis with CNS involvement is lacking, resulting in a need for better understanding of this disease.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The primary objectives were to describe the clinical features and MRI findings in dogs with CNS aspergillosis. The secondary objectives were to describe clinicopathologic findings and case outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven dogs with CNS aspergillosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Archived records from 6 institutions were reviewed to identify cases with MRI of CNS aspergillosis confirmed with serum galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (EIA) testing, culture, or supported by histopathology. Signalment, clinical, MRI, clinicopathologic, histopathologic, and microbiologic findings were recorded and evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Aspergillosis of the CNS was identified in 7 dogs from 3 institutions. The median age was 3 years and six were German Shepherd dogs. Five dogs had signs of vestibular dysfunction as a component of multifocal neurological abnormalities. The MRI findings ranged from normal to abnormal, including hemorrhagic infarction and mass lesions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Until now, all reported MRI findings in dogs with CNS aspergillosis have been abnormal. We document that CNS aspergillosis in dogs, particularly German Shepherd dogs, can be suspected based on neurologic signs, whether MRI findings are normal or abnormal. Confirmatory testing with galactomannan EIA, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or tissue culture should be performed in cases where aspergillosis is a differential diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Imaging, VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, Denver, CO.
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Young
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.affiliation: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Eden
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Corapi
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Rossmeisl
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Levine
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D020314:Central Nervous System Fungal Infections / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents
keywords: Aspergillus; Fungal; Galactomannan; German Shepherd dog