Differential diagnosis of fungal
brain infections from other types of lesions is challenging. We assessed the presence
of fungal metabolites in Cryptococcus
lesions using in vivo MR spectroscopy
and CEST. Hereby, we studied the use of trehalose, a disaccharide and fungal
biomarker, for endogenous contrast in CEST imaging. Using the novel CryptoCEST
technique, we were able to non-invasively differentiate Cryptococcus lesions from glioma. However, no significant effect
of antifungal treatment on the CEST contrast was observed. If translated to the
clinic, this technique has great potential in assisting in the differential
diagnosis and specific spatial localization of cryptococcal brain lesions.
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