Multifocal choroiditis in disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans infection

Am J Ophthalmol. 2006 Aug;142(2):346-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2006.03.024.

Abstract

Purpose: To report an uncommon case of multifocal choroiditis as the result of disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans infection in a patient who is HIV-positive.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: A 27-year-old HIV-positive woman with fever, headache, and vomiting was examined. Lumbar puncture was performed and revealed C neoformans infection. Her condition evolved with sudden bilateral blindness and deafness. Ophthalmologic examination revealed multiple yellowish choroidal lesions in the posterior pole of both eyes.

Results: Postmortem examination showed disseminated C neoformans infection. Histologic examination of the eyes confirmed the presence of C neoformans in the choroiditis.

Conclusion: Multifocal choroiditis in C neoformans infection is a rare ophthalmic manifestation. The recognition of this condition by ophthalmologists can help physicians to diagnose a disseminated and fatal disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / microbiology
  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blindness / etiology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / microbiology
  • Choroiditis / diagnosis
  • Choroiditis / drug therapy
  • Choroiditis / microbiology*
  • Cryptococcosis / diagnosis
  • Cryptococcosis / drug therapy
  • Cryptococcosis / etiology*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / isolation & purification*
  • Deafness / etiology
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / diagnosis
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / drug therapy
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / etiology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / diagnosis
  • HIV Seropositivity / drug therapy
  • HIV Seropositivity / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Spinal Puncture

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antiviral Agents