Superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass for progressive cerebral infarction in invasive aspergillosis-induced total occlusion of internal carotid artery: A rare case and literature review

Central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis is a life-threatening infection primarily affecting immunocompromised patients and may lead to severe cerebral infarction through vascular invasion. However, there is limited data on the treatment options for aspergillosis-induced cerebral infarction especially surgical treatments such as superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass surgery. Herein, we present a case of cerebral infarction in a 59-year-old male with progressive right eye ptosis. Specifically, he had ipsilateral MCA stenosis originating from paranasal sinusitis due to invasive aspergillosis. After 3 months, the patient was readmitted due to worsening cerebral infarction and complete internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Conservative treatment failed to improve cerebral perfusion, leading to gradual neurological decline. Consequently, STA-MCA bypass was performed to stabilise the patient. Postoperative imaging revealed a patent bypass graft and an enhanced cerebral perfusion. Although the patient experienced persistent left-sided hemiparesis, his overall neurological condition remained stable for 1 year, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15. STA-MCA bypass should be considered a potential treatment option for patients with aspergillosis-induced vasculitis resulting in cerebral infarction secondary to total ICA occlusion.