[Cryptococcal granulomatous arachnitis of the spinal cord--a case report (author's transl)]

A case of cryptococcal granulomatous arachnitis of the spinal cord was reported. A 12-year-old boy suffered from sudden occipitalgia and left hemiparesis. The symptoms disappeared spontaneously in about a half year. The next year, he consulted an orthopedist because of lumbago and gait disturbance. Myelography through the cisternal route showed complete block at the level of L1. Exploratory laminectomy of D12 and L1 revealed adhesive arachnitis. Symptoms were improved immediately after the operation. At the age of 15, he was admitted to our clinic, because of sudden onset of headache and vomiting. Computed tomography showed marked hydrocephalus. He recovered by ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and was discharged. The next year, sudden back pain occurred. Gait disturbance, sensory disturbance of the legs and trunks below the mamilla, and dysuria appeared gradually. He was readmitted and laminectomy of D2-4 was performed. The arachnoid membrane was white and 2 mm in thickness diffusely. Thickened arachnoid membrane was removed at the level of D2-4. Histological diagnosis was granulomatous arachnitis. Cryptococcus was seen in the removed tissue. Symptoms were improved after operation. One thousand milligrams of amphoterisin B was injected intermittently. He was discharged on food. Spinal symptoms in cryptococcosis are rare. Operative procedures were effective before the administration of amphoterisin B.