IMAGING SPECTRUM OF INTRACRANIAL INFECTIONS IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN NORTH INDIA
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Keywords
Intracranial infections; Immunocompromised; Neuroimaging; Tuberculoma; Toxoplasmosis; HIV; MRI
Abstract
Background: Intracranial infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, with a wide spectrum of etiological agents and overlapping clinical and radiological features. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Objectives: To evaluate the imaging spectrum of intracranial infections in immunocompromised patients and to correlate radiological findings with clinical and demographic parameters.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at a tertiary care hospital in North India from August 2017 to November 2017. A total of 42 immunocompromised patients with suspected intracranial infections were included using consecutive sampling. Clinical data were recorded using a structured proforma. All patients underwent CT and/or MRI brain imaging. Imaging findings were analyzed for lesion characteristics, distribution, and associated features. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant.
Results: The majority of patients were aged 21–40 years, with a male predominance. HIV infection was the most common immunocompromised state (35.7%). Tuberculoma was the most frequent intracranial infection (33.3%), followed by toxoplasmosis (23.8%) and pyogenic abscess (16.7%). Multiple lesions (59.5%) and ring-enhancing patterns (61.9%) were the most common imaging findings. Perilesional edema was present in 71.4% of cases. A statistically significant association was found between HIV positivity and toxoplasmosis (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Intracranial infections in immunocompromised patients demonstrate a wide range of imaging patterns, with tuberculoma being the most common in this setting. Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosis, and correlation with clinical parameters is essential for optimal patient management.
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Dr. Aishwerya Singh
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College, Kishanganj, Bihar, India. (
Dr. Manoj Kumar
Associate Professor, Department of Radiology, Narayana Medical College & Hospital, Jamuhar, Sasaram, Rohtas, Bihar, India. (
Dr. Rajendra Kumar
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, RAMA Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
