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Published on: February 6, 2021
Cryptococcal Meningitis Presenting as Endophthalmitis in an Otherwise Asymptomatic Patient
Travis J Peck1, Michael J Ammar1,2, James P Dunn1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Purpose:
Cryptococcus neoformans is a budding yeast that has a tropism for the central nervous system where it may cause meningitis, which has a high mortality rate. Endophthalmitis is rare and typically occurs in the setting of meningitis and disseminated disease. This report describes an atypical presentation of cryptococcal endophthalmitis and outlines the appropriate workup and management for this disease.
Methods:
A case report is presented.
Results:
A 66-year-old man on chemotherapy who presented with blurry vision without any extraocular symptoms was diagnosed with cryptococcal endophthalmitis and found to have underlying bloodstream and central nervous system infection on subsequent workup. He was treated with intravenous and intravitreal antifungals and remained systemically well, although a large subretinal mass lesion remained stable at 2-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
Cryptococcal endophthalmitis may be the initial presentation of disseminated cryptococcal disease. If vitreous cultures grow Cryptococcus, clinicians should presume that meningitis is present, regardless of symptoms, until proven otherwise.
Insights
Cryptococcal endophthalmitis can be the first sign of a widespread infection. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as this condition may indicate meningitis, even without typical symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans commonly affects the central nervous system, potentially causing fatal meningitis.
- Cryptococcal endophthalmitis is a rare ocular manifestation, usually associated with disseminated disease.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old immunocompromised patient presented with blurry vision and was diagnosed with cryptococcal endophthalmitis.
- The patient had an underlying bloodstream and central nervous system infection.
Findings:
- Intravenous and intravitreal antifungal treatment was administered.
- A significant subretinal mass lesion persisted despite treatment.
Implications:
- Cryptococcal endophthalmitis can be the initial clinical presentation of disseminated cryptococcosis.
- Positive vitreous cultures for Cryptococcus necessitate a presumption of meningitis, irrespective of symptoms.
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