Blastomycosis of the Central Nervous System

Authors

  • Alexander Kazmer Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL, USA
  • Rami El-Baba Department of Radiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
  • Andreas Kontosis Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, USA
  • Ewa Borys Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, USA
  • Mariah Siddiqui Department of Radiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v17i12.5167

Abstract

The reported incidence of blastomycosis is increasing in certain regions of the United States. The diagnosis is primarily made via urine antigen testing, culture, or cytology smear. The differential diagnosis for blastomycosis includes pneumonia, tuberculosis, and non-infectious pulmonary disease. Clinical context and epidemiologic exposure play a crucial role in diagnosis. However, the differential can expand significantly if there is disseminated central nervous system involvement, especially if pulmonary manifestations are not seen. Imaging begins to play a vital role when differentiating disseminated blastomycosis from other etiologies such as malignancy. Herein we present a case of a 58-year-old male who presented with seizures and right sided gaze preference found to have disseminated central nervous system blastomycosis. In this article, we will discuss symptoms and imaging findings of disseminated blastomycosis to help guide diagnosis and management.

57-year-old male diagnosed with Central Nervous System Blastomycosis

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Published

2024-02-09

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 12 (2023)

Section

Neuroradiology

License

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