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Cryptococcal meningitis in the immunocompromised host: intracranial hypertension and other complications

D A Stevens1, D W Denning, S Shatsky

  • 1Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA. stevens@leland.stanford.edu

Mycopathologia
|March 18, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Cryptococcosis complications, especially cryptococcal meningitis, are rising in immunocompromised patients. Early aggressive management of intracranial hypertension may improve outcomes and reduce mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cryptococcosis incidence has surged in immunocompromised individuals, particularly since the AIDS epidemic.
  • Cryptococcal meningitis is a significant complication, frequently leading to severe intracranial hypertension.

Observation:

  • Three detailed case studies illustrate the severity and life-threatening nature of intracranial hypertension in cryptococcal meningitis.
  • Current management strategies for this complication have not consistently involved aggressive intervention.

Findings:

  • Intracranial hypertension is a common, severe, and life-threatening complication of cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompromised hosts.
  • Physiologic observations and neurosurgical interventional studies suggest potential benefits of early intervention.

Implications:

  • An aggressive management approach for intracranial hypertension in cryptococcal meningitis warrants further investigation.
  • Early intervention may significantly reduce the severe morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

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