Fungal Infections of the Central Nervous System

Description:

This book provides comprehensive information on fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS). Fungal infections are still a major public health challenge for most of the developing world and even for developed countries due to the rising numbers of immune compromised patients, refugee movements, and international travel. Although fungal infections involving the CNS are not particularly common, when they do occur, the results can be devastating in spite of recent advances and currently available therapies. Further, over the past several years, the incidence of these infections has seen a steep rise among immunodeficient patients. In this context, aggressive surgery remains the mainstay of management, but conservative antifungal drug treatment complemented by aggressive surgical debridement may be necessary. Yet the optimal management approach to fungal infections of the CNS remains controversial, owing to the limited individual experience and the variable clinical course of the conditions. Addressing that problem, this comprehensive book offers the ideal resource for neurosurgeons, neurologists and other specialists working with infectious diseases.

Table of Contents:

Part I. General Considerations

1. Historical Aspects of Fungal Infections

2. Epidemiology of Central Nervous System Fungal Infections

3. Morphological Classification of Fungal Infections (Yeasts, Mold, Dimorphic)

4. Pathogenesis of Fungal Infections

5. Predisposing Factors

6. Histopathology

7. Molecular Genetics and Genomics of Fungal Infections

Part II. Fungal Pathogens: Pathogenesis, Pathology and Diagnosis

8. Aspergillosis

9. Candidiasis

10. Mucormycosis

11. Histoplasmosis and Coccidioidomycosis

12. Cryptococcosis

13. Blastomycosis and Phaeohyphomycosis

14.  Cladophialophora bantiana

15. Cladosporium spp., Fusarium spp., Bipolaris spp., Schizophyllum commune, and Scedosporium apiospermum

Part III. Clinical Syndromes of Fungal Infections Involving Central Nervous System and Its Coverings

16. Cranial Vault Lesions

17. Meningitis and Meningoencephalitis

18. Raised Intracranial Pressure

19. Hydrocephalus

20. Intracranial Space-Occupying Lesions

21. Invasive Fungal Diseases of the Skull Base

22. Skull Base Clinical Syndromes

23. Orbito-Rhinocerebral Syndrome

24. Cavernous Sinus Syndrome

25. Intracranial Fungal Aneurysms

26. Acute Ischemic or Hemorrhagic Stroke Syndromes

27. Spinal Syndromes

Part IV. Radiologıcal Findings of Fungal Infections Involving Central Nervous System and Its Coverings

28. Imaging of Fungal Infections of the Brain

29. Imaging Findings of Fungal Infections of the Cranial and Peripheral Nerves

30. Imaging Findings of Fungal Infections of the Sinuses Extending into the Brain

31. Imaging Findings of Fungal Infections of Spine and Spinal Cord

Part V. Therapy of Fungal Infections Involving Central Nervous System and Its Coverings

32. Surgical Therapy

33. Prognosis of Fungal Infections Involving the Central Nervous System and Its Coverings

Part VI. Further Insights into Fungal Infections

34. Fungal Infections of the Spine Mimicking Tuberculosis

35. Fungal Infections in Cancer Patients

36. Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

37. Fungal Infections of Central Nervous System and Their Relationship to Neuropsychiatric Disorders

38. Real-Time PCR: Advanced Technologies and Applications

39. Next-Generation Sequencing: Current Technologies and Applications

40. Current Innovations and Future Trends

Back Matter