[MRI finding of CNS cryptococcosis in an HIV-positive patient]

We report an HIV-positive patient with CNS cryptococcosis, diagnosis of which was based on detection of Cryptococcus neoformans by Indian ink staining and culture of CSF. MRI displayed dilated Virchow-Robin space in bilateral basal ganglia which were hypointense on T1-weighted images, hyperintense on T2-weighted images, and enhanced by gadolinium administration. In addition cryptococcoma in the cerebellum was observed by MRI. This finding may suggest a progression from cryptococcal meningitis to intraparenchymal invasion, accompanied with breakdown of the blood brain barrier.