Common radiological findings in fungal infections in hematological patients – Review

• Published in: Polish annals of medicine 2017-08, Vol.24 (2), p.287-294
• Main Authors: Klein-Awarjanow, Kaja, Nowicki, Tomasz K., Bieniaszewska, Maria, Szurowska, Edyta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hematological patients; Immunocompromised patients; Invasive fungal infection; MRI
• ISSN: 1230-8013
• DOI: 10.1016/j.poamed.2016.12.001

Invasive fungal infections are correlated with an increase in mortality rate among hematological patients. A correct diagnosis based on clinical manifestations may be very time consuming, while a delay in an appropriate treatment can have a negative impact on the further course of the disease. The aim of this study is to present the most common radiological findings seen in CT or MRI which may help in making an accurate diagnosis. A thorough literature search concerning the nature of invasive fungal infections, their clinical manifestations and methods of their radiological imaging were reviewed. An early diagnosis based on radiological imaging is crucial since radiological modalities are able to reveal lesions that can suggest ongoing fungal processes. There is a relationship between an early diagnosis of fungal lesions in CT imaging (i.e. the halo sign or micro- and macro-nodules) and an increase in the survival rate of hematological patients. Moreover, radiological methods of imaging can determine the degree of severity, especially the invasion of the infection into soft tissues, orbital cavities, brain and vasculature. Early and systematic radiological assessment of hematological patients with increased risk of fungal infection result in an accurate diagnosis and have a positive impact on the decrease of mortality rate of immunocompromised patients.