 Meningitis - cryptococcal
Definition Alternative Names Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider References DefinitionCryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges). See also: Alternative NamesCryptococcal meningitis Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCryptococcal meningitis is caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. This fungus is found in soil around the world. Cryptococcal meningitis most often affects people with a weakened immune system. Risk factors include: In people with a normal immune system and no chronic illnesses, it is a rare condition. SymptomsUnlike bacterial meningitis, this form of meningitis comes on more slowly, over a few days to a few weeks. Symptoms may include: Signs and testsPhysical examination will usually show: - Fast heart rate
- Fever
- Mental status changes
- Stiff neck
For any patient who is suspected of having meningitis, it is important to perform a lumbar puncture ("spinal tap"), in which spinal fluid (known as cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) is collected for testing. Tests that may be done include: TreatmentAntifungal medications are used to treat this form of meningitis. Intravenous therapy with amphotericin B is the most common treatment. It is often combined with an oral medication, 5-flucytosine. An oral medication, fluconazole, in high doses may also be effective against this infection, and may be used later in the course of treatment. Expectations (prognosis)People with AIDS who recover from cryptococcal meningitis need long-term treatment with medication to prevent the infection from coming back. ComplicationsAmphotericin B can have side effects, including chills and stiffness, and sometimes kidney damage. Calling your health care providerCall the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness. Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms: - Feeding difficulties
- High-pitched cry
- Irritability
- Persistent, unexplained fever
ReferencesKauffman CA. Cryptococcosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 357. Physician ReferenceInternational Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD9)321.0
Review Date: 9/15/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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