Cryptococcus meningitis, clinical--CT scan considerations

Twenty adult cases of cryptococcus meningitis and their cranial CT scan findings were reviewed. Ten patients had abnormal CT scans. The findings were hydrocephalus, gyral enhancement, focal nodules, decreased attenuation in the white matter, and patchy increased uptake of contrast. The CT scan appearance often failed to correspond with symptoms. None of the appearances was specific to the cryptococcal infection. Fourteen patients developed papilloedema during the course of the illness. The majority of the patients who developed papilloedema did not have demonstrable hydrocephalus.