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Cryptococcoma of the brain in an immunocompetent man

Y Ugalde Hernández1, J F Monzón1, R Delgado-Hernández2

  • 1Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Insurgentes Sur 3877, Tlalpan CP. 14269, México, D.F., México - Department of Infectious Diseases.

The National Medical Journal of India
|April 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cryptococcosis, a fungal infection, can affect anyone, even healthy individuals. This case highlights a fatal outcome in an immunocompetent patient with Cryptococcus gattii brain infection despite treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Pulmonary and cerebral cryptococcosis are the most frequent clinical manifestations.
  • Cryptococcus gattii, the etiological agent, can infect immunocompetent hosts, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy male presented with symptoms of progressive intracranial hypertension.
  • Radiological imaging revealed a right paraventricular mass.

Findings:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed the presence of Cryptococcus gattii yeasts.
  • The patient underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting and received treatment with amphotericin B, fluconazole, and dexamethasone.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for Cryptococcus gattii to cause severe neurological disease in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Despite aggressive management, severe intracranial hypertension led to a fatal outcome.
  • Highlights the importance of considering fungal meningoencephalitis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained neurological deterioration.

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