Work

Rituximab-associated cryptococcal meningitis in systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We report a 41-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed cryptococcal meningitis five months after a second rituximab cycle. Initial symptoms mimicked an SLE flare, delaying diagnosis. Worsening neurologic deficits prompted lumbar puncture, revealing findings consistent with fungal meningitis and CSF culture positive for Cryptococcus neoformans . Treatment with amphotericin B and fluconazole resulted in clinical improvement, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and the need for early evaluation in immunosuppressed SLE patients.

Source: Medical Mycology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2026.100762

Authors: Sheyla Cadena, Ricardo Bedón-Galarza, Miguel Cachumba, Fabricio González-Andrade, Lucy Baldeón-Rojas

Institutions: Hospital General Docente de Calderón, Central University of Ecuador, Universidad Indoamérica, Universidad Indoamérica, Sede Quito

Language: English

Topic: Fungal Infections and Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $650