A Rare Presentation of Cryptococcal Meningitis and Cerebellitis in an Asplenic Patient, Seronegative for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Am J Case Rep. 2018 Feb 19:19:183-186. doi: 10.12659/ajcr.906869.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cerebellar Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cerebellar Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebellar Diseases / microbiology
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / drug effects
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / pathogenicity*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Fluconazole / therapeutic use
  • Flucytosine / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Seronegativity*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / drug therapy*
  • Rare Diseases
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Splenectomy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Amphotericin B
  • Fluconazole
  • Flucytosine