A case of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and focal cerebral vasculitis with transient immunodeficiency

Acta Neurol (Napoli). 1990 Aug;12(4):301-4.

Abstract

The AA. report a case of CNS cryptococcosis with vasculopathic complications in a woman in perfect physical conditions. The patient was admitted to hospital after complaining for 20 days of fever, headache and rachialgia. CSF examination revealed hypoglicorrachia (18 mg %), cells 440 mmc (polymorphonuclear leukocytes 90%), brain CT scan negative. During antimycobacterial treatment right hemiparesis appeared; brain CT: hypodense lesion in the posterior brachium of the left inner capsule; at its base the lesion showed a hypodense streak coherent with thromboembolic damage or deep vasculitis. OKT4 lymphocytes were 6% (absolute number: 70). The antimycotic treatment, following the positive reaction of the CSF culture to Cryptococcus Neoformans, entirely cured the hemiparesis and normalized the CSF while OKT4 lymphocytes rapidly grew.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases / complications*
  • Cryptococcosis / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / complications*
  • Meningoencephalitis / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Vasculitis / complications*