Intracranial mycotic aneurysm due to Aspergillus species.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial true mycotic aneurysms are uncommon and usually fatal. We report two patients with basilar mycotic aneurysms due to Aspergillus species following surgical interventions. Both patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage and diagnosis was made at autopsy only. The literature regarding etiology, clinical presentation, predisposing conditions and outcome of intracranial true mycotic aneurysms is reviewed from 1990-2005. A high index of clinical suspicion with prompt diagnosis and early treatment may improve patient outcome.