不同麻醉方法对神经外科手术患者脑血管自身调节功能影响的比较

目的 比较不同麻醉方法对神经外科手术患者脑血管自身调节功能的影响.方法 拟行颅脑肿瘤切除术患者69例,ASA分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,年龄23～62岁,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为3组(n=23):异丙酚-瑞芬太尼复合麻醉组(PR组)、七氟醚.瑞芬太尼复合麻醉组(SR组)和异丙酚-七氟醚-瑞芬太尼复合麻醉组(PSR组).麻醉诱导:PR组和PSR组TCI异丙酚,血浆靶浓度为3μg/ml;SR组吸入8%七氟醚;3组均静脉注射瑞芬太尼1 mg/kg和阿曲库铵0.5 mg/kg.气管插管后机械通气,维持PETCO2 32～35 mm Hg.麻醉维持:PR组TCI异丙酚,血浆靶浓度2.0～3.5/μg/ml,SR组吸入1.5%～2.5%七氟醚,PSR组TCI异丙酚(血浆靶浓度1.5～3.0 μg/ml)复合吸入1%七氟醚,3组均TCI瑞芬太尼(血浆靶浓度2.0～4.5 ng/ml),静脉输注阿曲库铵6 μg·kg-1·min-1,维持听觉诱发电位指数值40～45.分别于麻醉诱导前(基础状态,T0)、气管插管后即刻(T1)、打开颅骨前即刻(T2)及开始缝皮时(T3)记录大脑中动脉时间-平均峰值流速,于相应时点压迫一侧颈总动脉7 s,计算脑短暂充血反应率(THRR),以反映脑血管自身调节功能.结果 与T0时比较,PR组T2时THRR升高,SR组T2,3时THRR降低(P<0.05),PSR组THRR差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).与PR组比较,SR组和PSR组THRR降低(P<0.05);与SR组比较,PSR组THRR升高(P<0.05).结论 异丙酚-瑞芬太尼复合麻醉可提高神经外科手术患者脑血管自身调节功能,七氟醚-瑞芬太尼复合麻醉可降低其脑血管自身调节功能,异丙酚-七氟醚-瑞芬太尼复合麻醉对其脑血管自身调节功能无影响.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the effect of different methods of anesthesia on cerebral autoregulation in patients undergoing neurosurgery.Methods Sixty-nine ASA Ⅱ orⅢ patients with brain tumor, aged 23-62 yr, scheduled for neurosurgery under general anesthesia, were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n = 23 each) : propofol-remifentanil group (group PR), sevoflurane-remifentanil group (group SR) and propofol-sevoflurane-remifentanil group (group PSR) . Anesthesia was induced with target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol (target plasma concentration3 μg/ml, PR and PSR groups) or inhalation of 8% sevoflurane (group SR) and iv injection of remifentanil 1 mg/kg and atracurium 0.5 mg/kg. The patients were mechanically ventilated after tracheal intubation. PETCO2 was maintained at 32-35 mm Hg. Anesthesia was maintained with TCI of propofol (target plasma concentration 2.0-3.5 μg/ml) in group PR, with inhalation of 1.5%-2.5% sevoflurane in group SR, with TCI of propofol (target plasma concentration 1.5-3.0 μg/ml) and inhalation of 1% sevoflurane in group PSR, and with TCI of remifentanil (target plasma concentration 2.0-4.5 ng/ml) and iv infusion of atracurium at 6 μg · kg-1 · min-1 in all groups. Auditory evoked potential index was maintained between 40-45. The middle cerebral artery time-average peak flow velocity was recorded before induction (baseline) , immediately after intubation, immediately before craniotomy and at the beginning of skin suture. The unilateral carotid artery was compressed for 7 s at the corresponding time points mentioned above. The transient hyperemic response ratio (THRR) was calculated to reflect cerebral autoregulation. Results Compared with the baseline value at T0, THRR was significantly increased at T2in group PR and decreased at T2,3 in group SR (P <0.05) ,while no significant change was found in THRR at T1-3in group PSR (P >0.05). The THRR was significantly lower in SR and PSR groups than in group PR, and higher in group PSR than in group SR ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Propofol-remifentanil anesthesia can improve cerebral autoregulation, sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia can reduce cerebral autoregulation, and propofol-sevofluraneremifentanil anesthesia exerts no effect on cerebral autoregulation in patients undergoing neurosurgery.     

异丙酚、地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉对脑功能区手术患者术中唤醒试验的影响

目的 探讨异丙酚、地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉对脑功能区手术患者术中唤醒试验的影响.方法 择期拟行脑功能区肿瘤切除术患者60例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄18～60岁,随机分为3组:异丙酚组(P组)、地氟醚组(D组)及七氟醚组(S组),每组20例.静脉注射依托咪酯0.3mg/kg、芬太尼3 μg/kg、维库溴铵0.1 mg/kg行麻醉诱导,采用1%丁卡因喉头及气管粘膜表面麻醉后行气管插管.P组、D组和S组分别靶控输注异丙酚,血浆靶浓度2.0μg/ml,持续吸入地氟醚、七氟醚1.5 MAC维持麻醉.各组均靶控输注瑞芬太尼,血浆靶浓度2.5 ng/ml,唤醒试验前血浆靶浓度降为0.5 ng/ml,静脉注射曲马多100mg,停用麻醉药,行唤醒试验.记录唤醒时间,观察唤醒试验时躁动及寒颤的发生情况.结果 各组患者唤醒时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),P组寒颤发生率较D组和S组高(P<0.05).结论 采用异丙酚、地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉,脑功能区手术患者术中唤醒时间无差别,地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉时有关并发症发生率低,更适用于术中唤醒试验.     

不同全麻对非心脏手术患者术后认知功能影响的比较

目的 比较不同全麻对非心脏手术患者术后认知功能的影响.方法 拟行非心脏手术患者1000例,年龄18～60岁,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为5组(n=200):异氟醚+异丙酚+芬太尼组(IPF组)、异氟醚+瑞芬太尼组(IR组)、七氟醚+异丙酚+芬太尼组(SPF组)、七氟醚+瑞芬太尼组(SR组)和异丙酚+瑞芬太尼组(PR组).麻醉维持:IPF组和SPF组分别吸入1.68%异氟醚或1.71%七氟醚,TCI异丙酚,血浆靶浓度2～5 μg/ml,间断静脉注射芬太尼;IR组、SR组和PR组分别吸入1.68%异氟醚或1.71%七氟醚或TCI异丙酚,血浆靶浓度2～5 μg/ml,TCI瑞芬太尼,血浆靶浓度2～6 ng/ml.选择同期住院的非手术患者200例作为对照组(C组).于术前1 d、出麻醉恢复室时、术后1和3 d时,采用MMSE量表进行认知功能评分.于出麻醉恢复室时、术后1和3 d时,采用Z计分法评判认知功能障碍.结果 与C组比较,IPF组、IR组、SPF组、SR组和PR组出麻醉恢复室时MMSE评分降低,出麻醉恢复室时及术后1 d时认知功能障碍的发生率升高(P＜0.05);与IPF组、IR组、SPF组和PR组比较,SR组术后认知功能障碍的发生率降低(P＜0.05).结论 七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉对非心脏手术患者术后认知功能的影响较小.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the effects of methods of general anesthesia on postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Methods One thousand ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients, aged 18-60 yr, undergoing non-cardiac surgery were randomly divided into 5 groups ( n = 200 each) : isoflurane + propofol + fentanyl group (group IPF); isoflurane + remifentanil group (group IR) ; sevoflurane + propofol + fentanyl group (group SPF) ; sevoflurane + remifentanil group (group SR) ; propofol + remifentanil group (group PR) . Two hundred non-operative patients served as control group (group C) . In groups IPF and SPF, anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of 1.68% isoflurane or 1.71 % sevoflurane, TCI of propofol with the target plasma concentration of 2-5 μg/ml, and intermittent iv boluses of fentanyl. In groups IR, SR and PR, anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of 1.68% isoflurane or 1.71% sevoflurane, or TCI of propofol with the target plasma concentration of 2- 5 μg/ml, and TCI of remifentanil with the target plasma concentration of 2-6 ng/ml. The patients' cognitive function was assessed using mini-mental state examination (MMSE) at 1 d before operation, while leaving postanesthesia care unit (PACU) , and at 1 and 3 d after operation. The Z score was used to identify the cognitive dysfunction as recommended by Moller while leaving PACU, and at 1 and 3 d after operation. Results Compared with group C, the MMSE score was significantly decreased while leaving PACU , and the incidence of cognitive dysfunction increased while leaving PACU and at 1 d after operation in the other groups ( P ＜ 0.05). Compared with groups IPF,IR,SPF and PR, the incidence of cognitive dysfunction was significantly increased in group SR ( P ＜ 0.05) . Conclusion General anesthesia with sevoflurane combined remifentanil exerts less effect on the postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.     

TCI舒芬太尼和瑞芬太尼复合麻醉用于腹腔镜下结直肠癌根治术病人麻醉恢复质量的比较

目的 比较TCI舒芬太尼和瑞芬太尼复合麻醉用于腹腔镜下结直肠癌根治术病人的麻醉恢复质量.方法 择期行腹腔镜下结直肠癌根治术病人40例,年龄40～64岁,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法,将病人随机分为2组(n=20):TCI瑞芬太尼复合麻醉组(R组)和TCI舒芬太尼复合麻醉组(S组).麻醉诱导:静脉注射阿托品0.25 mg,TCI异丙酚和瑞芬太尼(或舒芬太尼),异丙酚血浆靶浓度(Cp)为4.0μg/ml,瑞芬太尼Cp为4.0 ng/ml,舒芬太尼效应室靶浓度(Ce)为0.4 ng/ml,静脉注射维库溴铵0.1 mg/kg,气管插管后机械通气.麻醉维持:TCI异丙酚,瑞芬太尼Cp和舒芬太尼Ce分别为2.5、0.25 ng/ml,间断静脉注射维库溴铵0.03 mg/kg,调节异丙酚Cp和七氟醚浓度,维持Norcotrend指数37～56.记录苏醒时间、拔除气管导管时间和麻醉恢复期不良事件的发生情况.结果 与R组比较,S组苏醒时间和拔除气管导管时间延长,但是高血压、心动过速、呛咳、躁动和寒颤的发生率降低(P＜0.05);2组均无一例病人发生苏醒延迟或呼吸抑制.结论 与TCI瑞芬太尼复合麻醉比较,TCI舒芬太尼复合麻醉用于腹腔镜下结直肠癌根治术病人麻醉恢复质量较高.     

瑞芬太尼复合麻醉患者术后急性阿片类药物耐受的发生

目的 评价瑞芬太尼复合麻醉患者术后急性阿片类药物耐受的发生情况。方法 60例择期手术患者随机分为3组（n=20），吸入麻醉组吸入1．3 MAC异氟醚和氧化亚氮维持麻醉;静脉麻醉组靶控输注（TCI）异丙酚（血浆靶浓度3μg／ml）、瑞芬太尼（血浆靶浓度4 ng／ml）维持麻醉;复合麻醉组吸入0．8 MAC异氟醚和氧化亚氮及TCI瑞芬太尼（血浆靶浓度2 ng／ml）维持麻醉。观察术后早期恢复阶段（30 min）患者的疼痛评分及吗啡用量。结果 静脉麻醉组和复合麻醉组在术后早期恢复阶段的疼痛评分及吗啡用量均高于吸入麻醉组（P〈0．05），但2组间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉 0．05）。结论 患者瑞芬太尼复合TCI异丙酚或复合吸入异氟醚麻醉均可导致急性阿片类药物耐受的发生。     

不同靶浓度瑞芬太尼对腹部手术患者七氟醚MACBAR的影响

目的比较不同血浆靶浓度瑞芬太尼对七氟醚抑制50%腹部手术患者切皮时血液动力学反应的最低肺泡有效浓度(MAC_(BAR))的影响。方法择期腹部手术患者75例,ASAⅠ级或Ⅱ级,年龄20～50岁,随机分为3组(n=25):不用瑞芬太尼组(R_0组)、瑞芬太尼靶浓度1 ng/ml组(R_1组)、瑞芬太尼靶浓度2 ng/ml组(R_2组)。3组均静脉注射异丙酚2 mg/kg、维库溴铵0.1 mg/kg及靶控输注瑞芬太尼(血浆靶浓度2 ng/ml)麻醉诱导,气管插管后吸入七氟醚维持麻醉.各组初始呼气末七氟醚浓度为3%。R_0组气管插管后立即停用瑞芬太尼,R_1组和R_2组血浆靶浓度分别改为1、2 ng/ml继续靶控输注。采用改良的序贯法根据手术切皮时患者HR或MAP的变化对每组切皮时七氟醚MAC_(BAR)进行观察。根据平衡点后面的呼气末七氟醚浓度,计算每组平均呼气末七氟醚浓度,即为每组的MAC_(BAR)。结果R_0组MAC_(BAR)为(3.16±0.07)%;R_1组为(1.51±0.08)%;R_2组为(0.85±0.03)%,3组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论靶浓度1 ng/ml和2 ng/ml瑞芬太尼可分别降低腹部手术患者七氟醚MAC_(BAK)51%和74%。     

右美托咪定复合靶控输注异丙酚-瑞芬太尼用于老年患者纤维支气管镜检查术的效果

目的 探讨右美托咪定复合靶控输注(TCI)异丙酚-瑞芬太尼用于老年患者纤维支气管镜检查术的效果.方法 择期行纤维支气管镜检查术的老年患者40例,性别不限,ASA分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,年龄65 ～ 75岁,BMI 20～30 kg/m2,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为2组(n=20):生理盐水对照组(C组)和右美托咪定组(D组).麻醉诱导前10 min D组静脉注射右美托咪定负荷剂量0.5μg/kg,随后以0.5 μg·kg-1·h-1的速率维持至检查结束,C组给予等容量生理盐水.麻醉诱导时TCI异丙酚(效应室靶浓度为3 μg/ml),待血浆-效应室浓度平衡后开始TCI瑞芬太尼(效应室靶浓度为4ng/ml),待患者意识消失后置入纤维支气管镜,入镜后调整异丙酚效应室靶浓度至1～3 μg/ml、瑞芬太尼效应室靶浓度至2～4 ng/ml.于麻醉诱导前(T0)、麻醉诱导后即刻(T1)、纤维支气管镜进入声门即刻(T2)、到达隆突即刻(T3)、检查完成即刻(T4)、检查完成后10 min(T)时记录MAP、HR和警觉镇静评分(OAA/S评分),记录异丙酚和瑞芬太尼的用量、检查时间、苏醒时间以及检测期间心血管不良反应、低氧血症、恶心呕吐、反流误吸等不良反应的发生情况.结果 与C组比较,D组T5时OAA/S评分明显升高,异丙酚和瑞芬太尼用量减少,苏醒时间缩短,低血压和低氧血症发生率降低(P＜0.05).2组均未出现恶心呕吐、反流误吸等严重不良反应.结论 右美托咪定(给予负荷剂量0.5 μg/kg后以0.5μg·kg-1·h-1维持输注)复合TCI异丙酚-瑞芬太尼可安全有效地用于老年患者纤维支气管镜检查.     

腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者异丙酚复合瑞芬太尼与七氟醚麻醉效果的比较

目的 比较腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者异丙酚复合瑞芬太尼与七氟醚麻醉的效果.方法 择期行腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者120例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄18～64岁,体重45～80kg,性别不限,随机分为异丙酚复合瑞芬太尼组(PR组)和七氟醚组(S组),每组60例.麻醉诱导:PR组异丙酚效应室靶浓度3μl/ml,瑞芬太尼效应室靶浓度6 ng/ml;S组高流量吸入8%七氟醚-氧化亚氮.麻醉维持:PR组异丙酚效应室靶浓度2～3μg/ml,瑞芬太尼效应室靶浓度2～6 ng/ml;S组维持七氟醚呼气末浓度1.3%～2.2%.记录诱导时间、麻醉时间、睁眼时间、拔管时间、手术时间和PACU停留时间;于拔管后即刻、拔管后30、60 min和离开PACU时采用警觉/镇静评分(OAA/S)评价意识状态;于术前和术后1 h采用MMSE简易智能量表评价认知功能;PACU期间采用VAS评分评价疼痛程度,并记录芬太尼的用量和使用情况;记录术中血管活性药物的使用情况;记录术中和PACU期间不良反应发生情况;于术后24 h进行随访,记录术中知晓的发生情况及患者对麻醉的满意情况.结果 与PR组比较,S组诱导时间缩短,睁眼时间和PACU停留时间延长,拔管后即刻和拔管后30 min时OAA/S评分降低,PACU期间芬太尼使用率和芬太尼用量降低,恶心呕吐发生率升高,术中降压药使用率升高(P＜0.05或0.01);两组术前及术后1 h时MMSE评分均在24分以上;两组诱导过程中胸壁强直、咳嗽和喉痉挛和窒息感的发生率、患者对麻醉满意率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者异丙酚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉或七氟醚麻醉的效果较好,两种麻醉方法之间无绝对的优势.     

异丙酚-瑞芬太尼和异氟烷-芬太尼麻醉下肝切除术患者肝缺血再灌注损伤的比较

目的 通过比较异丙酚-瑞芬太尼与异氟烷-芬太尼麻醉下肝切除术患者肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的程度,探讨肝切除术适宜的麻醉方法 .方法 择期行肝部分切除术患者30例,年龄41～64岁,体重58～86 kg,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,肝功能Child A级,随机分为异丙酚-瑞芬太尼组(PR组)和异氟烷-芬太尼组(IF组),每组15例.静脉注射咪达唑仑、芬太尼、依托咪酯和维库溴铵行麻醉诱导,气管插管后行机械通气.麻醉维持:PR组靶控输注异丙酚(血浆靶浓度3.5 μg/ml)和瑞芬太尼(血浆靶浓度4.2ng/ml);IF组吸入1.5%～2.5%异氟烷,问断静脉注射芬太尼2 μg/kg;2组均间断静脉注射维库溴铵维持肌松.于肝门阻断前(T1)、肝门开放后即刻(T2)、30 min(T3)、60 min(T4)和术后1 d(T5)时取右颈内静脉血样,测定血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶(γ-GGT)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、总胆红素(TBIL)、总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)和丙二醛(MDA)的水平.结果 与IF组比较,PR组T5时ALT活性降低,L3、T4时γ-GGT活性降低,T5时T-SOD活性升高,T4、T5时MDA浓度降低(P<0.05).结论 与异氟烷-芬太尼麻醉相比,异丙酚-瑞芬太尼麻醉可减轻患者肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的程度,更适用于肝切除术.     

七氟醚和异丙酚复合麻醉下妇科腹腔镜手术患者脑血流量和颅内压的比较

目的 比较七氟醚和异丙酚复合麻醉下妇科腹腔镜手术患者的脑血流量(CBF)和颅内压(ICP).方法 择期拟行妇科腹腔镜手术患者40例,年龄20～59岁,体重44～69kg,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,随机分为2组(n=20):七氟醚复合麻醉组(S组)和异丙酚复合麻醉组(P组).麻醉诱导:S组吸人8%七氟醚,P组TCI异丙酚(Ce 4μg/ml),两组均TCI瑞芬太尼(Ce 6ng/ml),睫毛反射消失后,静脉注射顺阿曲库铵0.15mg/kg,BIS<45时行气管插管.麻醉诱导后瑞芬太尼Ce下调为3 ng/ml,调节异丙酚Ce和七氟醚吸人浓度,维持BIS 45～50,于麻醉诱导前水平仰卧位稳定后5 min(T1)、水平截石位稳定后5 min(T2)、气管插管后即刻(T3)、气管插管后5 min(T4)、气腹头低位后即刻(T5)、气腹头低位后15 min(T6)及气腹放气后10 min(T7)时采用经颅多普勒超声测定大脑中动脉脑血流速率(CBFV)和搏动指数(PI).结果 与T1时比较,P组T3,4,7时CBFV降低,T3,4时P1降低,S组T4,7时CBFV降低,两组T5,6时PI升高(P<0.05);与T4时比较,两组T5,6时CBFV升高(P<0.05);与S组比较,P组T3时CBFV降低,T3,4时PI降低(P<0.05).结论 与七氟醚复合麻醉相比,异丙酚复合麻醉下妇科腹腔镜手术患者麻醉诱导后CBF和ICP明显降低;气腹后CBF和ICP均升高.     

Middle meningeal--middle cerebral artery anastomosis for cerebral ischemia

A new technique of anastomosing the middle meningeal artery to a cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery is described. A case is presented in which the operation was technically successful and the immediate clinical result was good. Long-range follow-up is necessary and a larger series will be needed for study before the merits of the technique can be judged adequately. The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are described, as well as possible indications and future studies.     

脑血流速度对外伤性脑梗塞的预测作用

目的观察重型颅脑外伤术后脑血流动力学指标的时程变化规律,揭示脑血流动力学指标对外伤性脑梗塞的预测价值。方法选取重型颅脑外伤术后患者104例,正常对照组40例,TCD检测大脑前、中、后动脉平均血流速度,对数据进行相关统计分析。结果重型颅脑外伤术后第1天大脑中、前、后动脉平均血流速度明显升高,第3天到达高峰,后逐渐下降,经Mann—Whitney U检验,5个时间点的平均血流速度均显著高于对照组（P〈0．001）。重型颅脑外伤术后第1天、第3天、第5天、第7天和第14天,脑梗塞组大脑前、中、后动脉平均血流速度均明显高于非脑梗塞组（P〈0．05）。ROC曲线辨别了大脑巾、前、后动脉平均血流速度的判定界值,对预测重型颅脑外伤术后外伤性脑梗塞有较高的灵敏度和特异度。大脑中动脉平均血流速度的曲线下面积显著大于大脑前、后动脉平均血流速度的曲线下面积（P〈0．05）。结论脑血管痉挛是颅脑外伤继发性脑损伤的重要危险因素．参与外伤性脑梗塞的病理生理机制,大脑动脉平均血流速度,特别是大脑中动脉平均血流速度可早期预测外伤性脑梗塞的发生．可指导临床,降低颅脑外伤的死亡率和致残率。     

局部脑氧饱和度在监测脑血流自动调节中的应用

脑血流自动调节（cerebral autoregulation, CA）是维持脑血流量相对稳定从而维持脑氧供需平衡的重要机制,明确患者CA能力有助于评估患者预后;维持患者MAP在CA范围内有助于维持重要器官的灌注。但目前还没有理想的监测方式用于患者CA监测,无创局部脑氧饱和度（regional cerebral oxy...     

Applied cerebral physiology

The brain is an exquisitely sensitive organ, requiring a constant supply of blood, oxygen, and glucose to function. Cerebral blood flow is autoregulated to provide a near constant blood supply despite fluctuations in whole body physiology. The blood–brain barrier acts to ensure that the brain microenvironment remains tightly regulated. The pressure within the cranium must also be tightly controlled to maintain optimal cerebral perfusion and ultimately prevent herniation of brain parenchyma. Several physiological parameters can be monitored including intracranial pressure, cerebral oxygenation and metabolic stress and clinical use is increasing including in traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid haemorrhage patients.     

Isolated cerebral cryptococcosis

Summary A case of cerebral infection with cryptococcus neoformans whose symptoms simulated those of an intracranial space-occupying lesion is described. Differential diagnosis is a problem because of the aspecificity of the clinical and neuroradiological features of this grave fungal infection.