[Central nervous system cryptococcosis in 10 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus]

Central nervous system compromise is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE. The clinical picture of cerebral cryptococcosis is non-specific and can be mistaken for lupic activity. A retrospective study was undertaken with 10 patients with SLE and cryptococcal meningitis compiled in a 23-year period. The most common symptoms were fever and headache. Lymphocyte counts ranged from 169 to 912 cells/mm. An average delay of 13.6 days in diagnosis was observed in patients with cryptococcal meningitis with no complications and an average delay of 52.4 days in patients with complications. Low lymphocyte counts, observed in all patients, was considered a possible risk factor for cerebral cryptococcosis. To note the association between the delay in the correct diagnosis and complications derived from cerebral cryptococcosis.