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11:07
Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
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Constrictive Pericarditis Due to Cryptococcus Neoformans in an Elderly Immunosuppressed Patient
Catarina Pinto Silva1, Flávia Ramos1, Márcia Ribeiro1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Santa Maria Maior, Barcelos, Portugal.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|January 15, 2026
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is rare in immunosuppressed patients. Early diagnosis via pericardiectomy and prompt antifungal treatment are key to successful outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis is a serious condition often linked to inflammation or infection.
- Cryptococcus neoformans pericarditis is exceptionally rare, particularly in non-HIV immunosuppressed individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight a rare case of cryptococcal constrictive pericarditis in an immunosuppressed patient.
- To emphasize the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of pericardiectomy and antifungal therapy.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 72-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis on corticosteroids.
- Diagnostic pericardiectomy revealing Cryptococcus neoformans infection.
- Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole.
Main Results:
- Successful surgical and medical management of cryptococcal constrictive pericarditis.
- Favorable clinical outcome at 12 months post-treatment.
- Demonstration of effective sequential antifungal therapy.
Conclusions:
- Cryptococcal pericarditis should be suspected in immunosuppressed patients presenting with pericardial effusion or thickening.
- Pericardiectomy serves as a critical diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
- Combined surgical and antifungal approach ensures favorable outcomes.
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