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Profound papilledema due to cryptococcal meningitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: successful treatment with
1Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Southern Medical Journal
|March 1, 1991
Abstract:
Although cryptococcal meningitis is a frequent infection in patients with AIDS, papilledema is rarely reported. We have reported a case of profound papilledema associated with cryptococcal meningitis in a patient with AIDS. After treatment failure with amphotericin B, the patient was successfully treated with fluconazole, and the papilledema resolved.
Insights
Cryptococcal meningitis rarely causes papilledema in AIDS patients. This case highlights successful treatment of profound papilledema with fluconazole after amphotericin B failure.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Cryptococcal meningitis is a common opportunistic infection in individuals with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- Papilledema, or swelling of the optic disc, is an uncommon but serious complication in patients with AIDS and cryptococcal meningitis.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient with AIDS experiencing profound papilledema.
- The patient presented with symptoms indicative of increased intracranial pressure secondary to cryptococcal meningitis.
Findings:
- Initial treatment with amphotericin B was unsuccessful in managing both the meningitis and the papilledema.
- Subsequent treatment with fluconazole led to the resolution of cryptococcal meningitis and the associated papilledema.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for papilledema in AIDS patients with cryptococcal meningitis.
- Fluconazole may represent an effective therapeutic option for managing papilledema in refractory cases of cryptococcal meningitis.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms behind papilledema in this population and optimize treatment strategies.