The enigma of transient splenial hyperintensity: In cryptococcal meningitis
Kaushik Sen1, Gautam Guha, Kapil Khandelwal
1Department of Medicine, North Bengal Medical College, Susrutanagar, Darjeeling, India.
Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice
|November 20, 2013
Summary
Transient splenial hyperintensity on MRI, often linked to seizures, can also be caused by cryptococcal meningitis. This case highlights a new association in an immunocompromised patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Transient splenial hyperintensity on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an uncommon finding.
- While frequently associated with seizures, other etiologies have been suggested.
- Cryptococcal meningitis has not previously been reported as a cause.
Observation:
- A young female patient with congenital immunodeficiency presented with cryptococcal meningitis.
- The patient exhibited characteristic transient hyperintense lesions in the splenium of the corpus callosum on MRI.
Findings:
- This case presents the first reported instance of cryptococcal meningitis causing transient splenial hyperintensity.
- The MRI findings in this patient align with the described transient splenial lesions.
Implications:
- This finding expands the differential diagnosis for transient splenial hyperintensity on MRI.
- It underscores the importance of considering infectious etiologies, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms behind this association.
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