Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Quantification of Cerebral Vascular Architecture using Two-photon Microscopy in a Mouse Model of HIV-induced Neuroinflammation
Published on: January 12, 2016
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in AIDS patients with central nervous system cryptococcosis
Marcelo Corti1, Maria Florencia Villafañe, Ricardo Negroni
1Division of HIV/AIDS Disease, F. J. Muñiz Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. marcelocorti@fibertel.com.ar
Abstract:
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Generally, the disease affects the central nervous system, especially in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Central nervous system involvement can be either meningeal or parenchymal. As the infection spreads along the Virchow-Robin spaces these structures may dilate with the mucoid and gelatinous material produced by the organism's capsule. The lesions associated with the dilatation of Virchow-Robin spaces are referred to as gelatinous pseudocysts. Bigger lesions are known as cryptococcomas. In this article we describe five patients with neurocryptococcosis associated with AIDS and parenchymal lesions compatible with gelatinous pseudocysts and cryptococcomas.
Insights
Neurocryptococcosis, a fungal infection by Cryptococcus neoformans, commonly affects the central nervous system in AIDS patients. This study details five cases with parenchymal lesions like gelatinous pseudocysts and cryptococcomas.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is common, particularly in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- CNS lesions can manifest as meningeal or parenchymal, with parenchymal lesions including gelatinous pseudocysts and cryptococcomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe five cases of neurocryptococcosis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- To characterize the parenchymal lesions, specifically gelatinous pseudocysts and cryptococcomas, associated with neurocryptococcosis in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing five patients with neurocryptococcosis.
- Clinical and radiological findings of CNS lesions were analyzed.
- Histopathological correlation was performed where available.
Main Results:
- Five patients with AIDS and neurocryptococcosis were identified.
- Parenchymal lesions consistent with gelatinous pseudocysts and cryptococcomas were observed in these patients.
- The characteristic dilatation of Virchow-Robin spaces filled with mucoid material was noted.
Conclusions:
- Neurocryptococcosis in AIDS patients can present with distinct parenchymal lesions.
- Gelatinous pseudocysts and cryptococcomas are significant manifestations of CNS cryptococcosis.
- Understanding these lesions is crucial for diagnosis and management of neurocryptococcosis in immunocompromised individuals.
