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Cryptococcoma of the brain in an immunocompetent man
Y Ugalde Hernández1, J F Monzón1, R Delgado-Hernández2
1Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Insurgentes Sur 3877, Tlalpan CP. 14269, México, D.F., México - Department of Infectious Diseases.
The National Medical Journal of India
|April 25, 2014
Summary
Cryptococcosis, a fungal infection, can affect anyone, even healthy individuals. This case highlights a fatal outcome in an immunocompetent patient with Cryptococcus gattii brain infection despite treatment.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Pulmonary and cerebral cryptococcosis are the most frequent clinical manifestations.
- Cryptococcus gattii, the etiological agent, can infect immunocompetent hosts, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
Observation:
- A previously healthy male presented with symptoms of progressive intracranial hypertension.
- Radiological imaging revealed a right paraventricular mass.
Findings:
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed the presence of Cryptococcus gattii yeasts.
- The patient underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting and received treatment with amphotericin B, fluconazole, and dexamethasone.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for Cryptococcus gattii to cause severe neurological disease in immunocompetent individuals.
- Despite aggressive management, severe intracranial hypertension led to a fatal outcome.
- Highlights the importance of considering fungal meningoencephalitis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained neurological deterioration.
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