Diagnosis and treatment of 3 patients of intracranial fungai granulomas

Abstract

Objective To examine clinical features, neuroimaging presentation and treatment of intracranial fungal granulomas (ICFG) in order to improve the accuracy rates of diagnosis and cure. Methods Three pathologically proven cases with ICFG were retrospectively analyzed. Cases of ICFG reported in literature were also summarized. Results Among the 3 patients with ICFG, 1 patient had a history of head trauma and craniotomy and 1 had a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and a long history of exposure to doves. In all 3 patients, the symptoms started with headache and vomiting, accompanied by low-grade fever, convulsion, and cranial nerve deficits. Intracranial mass lesion was revealed on brain computed tomography (CT) scan and (or) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with or without intravenous contrast. CT scan showed low-density lesions and granulations with ring and homogenous enhancement, indicating fungal abscesses. MRI in all 3 cases showed one or multiple circumscribed intracranial space-occupying lesion, with ring, heterogeneous contrast enhancement and perilesional edema. The treatments were initiated with craniotomy and surgical resection of granulations followed by intravenous injection of amphotericin B (AMB) combined with fluconazole. The daily administration of AMB was increased gradually from 0.25-1.50 mg/kg and the total dosage of 2-4 g should be achieved within 3 months. The combination therapy with fluconazole (400 mg/d ) was also given by intravenous injection. To increase penetration into cerebrospinal fluid, intrathecal injection of AMB had also been given at the maximum dosage of 1 mg every time, twice a week. Two patients were administered fluconazole (200 mg/d ) orally for 3, 6 months consecutively after completing the combination therapy of AMB with fluconazole, while the other patient refused continuous antifungal treatment 1 month postoperatively. All 3 patients were followed up for a period between 3, 24, 48 months. The 2 patients that completed full antifungal treatment were cured without recurrence. The other patient had improved transiently after operation but died after 3 months. Conclusions Because no distinct chnical and neuroimaging features are presented in ICFG, it is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Indications for surgery include diagnosis, relief mass effect and increase efficiency of drug treatment. Use of appropriate and completed antifungal treatment decreases mortality. The treatment requires continued and long-term administration of antifungal medication to prevent relapses, whether granulomas are totally removed or not. Key words: Central nervous system fungal infections; Granuloma; Amphotericin B; Fluconazole