Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
02:30
Endoscopic Approach for Colloid Cyst Resection
Published on: May 23, 2025
Intraventricular cryptococcal cysts masquerading as racemose neurocysticercosis
Marlon Mathews1, Laura Paré, Anton Hasso
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA 92868.
Surgical Neurology
|May 22, 2007
Summary
Central nervous system cryptococcal infections in immunocompetent individuals can mimic neurocysticercosis. Early diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment of these rare fungal CNS cysts.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcal infections are rare in immunocompetent hosts.
- Typically present as meningitis, hydrocephalus, or cryptococcomas.
- This case highlights intraventricular cryptococcal cysts mimicking neurocysticercosis.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old male presented with severe headache, dizziness, and lethargy.
- Imaging revealed hydrocephalus and multiple intraventricular cysts.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed a meningitic pattern, and Cryptococcus neoformans antigen was detected.
Findings:
- Despite negative neurocysticercosis serology, the presentation mimicked racemose neurocysticercosis.
- The patient received antifungal therapy including amphotericin B, 5-FC, and fluconazole.
- Neurological status returned to baseline with resolution of CSF Cryptococcus antigen.
Implications:
- CNS cryptococcal infections can present atypically in immunocompetent individuals.
- Distinguishing cryptococcal cysts from neurocysticercosis is critical due to different management strategies.
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in CNS pathologies that mimic parasitic infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...