Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in differentiating fungal abscess from malignant intracranial lesion: Case report

Authors

Syeda Maheen Batool, Aga Khan University
Fatima Mubarak, Agha Khan UniversityFollow
Ather Enam, Aga Khan UniversityFollow

Document Type

Report

Department

Neurosurgery; Radiology; Surgery

Abstract

Background: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance has a well-defined role in differentiating between important intracranial lesions. Sometimes, the surgeon is faced with a dilemma of how to diagnose an infectious versus malignant lesion.
Case Description: A 28-year-old male presented to the neurosurgery clinic with complaints of headache and left-sided weakness for 2 weeks. Neurological examination was intact. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a large infiltrating heterogeneous mass involving the right parietal lobe. On further reviewing, there was homogenous diffusion restriction in the center of lesion. In addition, its aggressive behavior confirmed it to be a fungal abscess.
Conclusions: Correctly identifying an infectious versus tumor etiology is important. Research has been carried out to employ diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating the variable radiological findings. The role of DWI in diagnosing bacterial abscess is more commonly seen in comparison to fungal abscess. DWI has a high diagnostic potential, but more works need to be done.

Comments

Issue, and pagination are not provided by the author/publisher

Publication (Name of Journal)

Surgical Neurology International

Recommended Citation

Batool, S. M., Mubarak, F., Enam, A. (2019). Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in differentiating fungal abscess from malignant intracranial lesion: Case report. Surgical Neurology International, 10, 13.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_surg_neurosurg/202

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