Related Experiment Videos
Spontaneous cryptococcal peritonitis in cirrhotic patients.
S Sungkanuparph1, A Vibhagool, R Pracharktam
1Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. tesuk@mahidol.ac.th
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
|November 15, 2002
Summary
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is common in cirrhosis patients. Cryptococcal peritonitis is rare but deadly; early diagnosis of this fungal infection in decompensated cirrhosis is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Mycology
Background:
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent complication in patients suffering from cirrhosis and ascites.
- Cryptococcal peritonitis, a form of SBP caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, is an infrequent but severe clinical presentation.
Observation:
- This report details three cases of spontaneous cryptococcal peritonitis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
- One patient presented with concurrent symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, highlighting potential comorbidities.
Findings:
- Cryptococcal peritonitis, though rare, can occur in patients with advanced liver disease.
- Delayed diagnosis of this fungal infection is associated with high mortality rates.
Implications:
- Increased clinical suspicion for cryptococcal peritonitis in cirrhotic patients is warranted.
- Early identification and appropriate antifungal treatment can improve patient outcomes and survival rates.