<em>Cryptococcal </em>Meningoencephalitis in an Immunocompetent Patient

J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2022 Apr;32(4):S49-S51. doi: 10.29271/jcpsp.2022.Supp1.S49.

Abstract

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is an uncommon opportunistic infection in immunocompetent hosts; and causes significant mortality and long-term morbidity. Cryptococci primarily cause disease in immunocompromised hosts, but rarely can lead to severe disease in immunocompetent individuals. A 64-year man, with no known immunosuppressive illnesses, presented in the Emergency Department with gait disturbances and lethargy for one year, which got worsened recently. After further deliberation on elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), a CT brain was performed, which showed hydrocephalus; and thus lumbar puncture (LP) was done. Fungal cultures grew cryptococcus neoformans. The patient was treated with anti-fungal medications. It is highly essential for emergency physicians and other clinicians to think of atypical neurological manifestations of meningitis in immunocompetent individuals. Key Words: Cryptococcus, Immunocompetent, Antifungal treatment, Meningitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cryptococcus neoformans*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus*
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal* / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal* / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal* / microbiology
  • Meningoencephalitis* / diagnosis
  • Meningoencephalitis* / drug therapy
  • Meningoencephalitis* / microbiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents