candidal brain abscess

Last reviewed 01/2018

Candidal infection of the central nervous system occurs in patients who are severely debilitated.

Candidal brain abscesses are often small and multiple and present as cognitive deterioration or coma. The diagnosis is difficult in the intensive care unit.

The rare large abscess may be visible no brain imaging. Cerebrospinal fluid may have raised cells but is often sterile.

Despite treatment with intravenous amphoteracin B the prognosis is grave.