An intracranial aspergilloma with low signal on T2-weighted images corresponding to iron accumulation.

Publication/Presentation Date

7-1-2001

Abstract

We present a case of cerebral aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient. The MRI signal characteristics were compared with the histologic findings. Irregular low-signal zones were demonstrated between the wall of the abscess and the central necrosis on T2-weighted images; the pathology specimen revealed concentrated iron in these transitional zones but no hemosiderin. Iron is an essential element for the growth of fungal hyphae. The low-signal zones may represent the areas where there was active proliferation of aspergillus, and the unique location of the low signal may be a helpful imaging characteristic for the diagnosis of an aspergillus abscess.

Volume

43

Issue

7

First Page

559

Last Page

561

ISSN

0028-3940

Disciplines

Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology

PubMedID

11512586

Department(s)

Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Document Type

Article

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