A Rare Presentation of Cryptococcal Meningitis and Cerebellitis in an Asplenic Patient, Seronegative for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Year: 2018
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis in patients who are seronegative for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and in patients who are splenectomized is rare. This report is an unusual case of meningeal and cerebellar infection due to the encapsulated yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans, which has not previously been associated with asplenia. CASE REPORT A 65-year-old HIV-negative patient with a previous splenectomy, presented with a three-day history of fever, vomiting, and headache. His symptoms progressed to generalized body aches, persistent fever, and neck stiffness. A lumbar puncture was performed, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture grew Cryptococcus neoformans. Treatment commenced with intravenous amphotericin B and flucytosine. The patient required serial lumbar punctures due to persistent raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed acute meningitis and cerebellitis. Antimicrobial therapy and CSF drainage resulted in clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of meningeal and cerebellar cryptococcosis in an asplenic patient is rare, and few cases have been previously reported. This case report highlights the possibility of invasive cryptococcal infection, or cryptococcosis, in asplenic individuals in the absence of HIV infection.
Source: American Journal of Case Reports
DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.906869
Institutions: Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, New York University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W2789095658