Concurrent presentation of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Mod Rheumatol. 2011 Jun;21(3):305-8. doi: 10.1007/s10165-010-0383-6. Epub 2010 Dec 29.

Abstract

Cryptococcal meningitis is a recognized complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with high mortality rates, particularly in those treated with immunosuppressive agents. We describe a patient diagnosed simultaneously with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and SLE and reviewed four similar cases reported in the literature. In our case, profound low CD4 lymphocyte count and low complement levels were observed. The patient was treated with prednisolone, fluconazole, and 5-flucytosine and evinced good clinical improvement. This case suggests that intrinsic immunological abnormality related to SLE predisposed to opportunistic infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / complications*
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / immunology
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Opportunistic Infections / complications
  • Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis
  • Opportunistic Infections / immunology