[Cryptococcal meningitis associated with hydrocephalus in an immunocompetent patient].

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcal meningitis is an infrequent infection with high morbidity and mortality. Its presentation in immunocompetent patients is rare. We present the case of a 67-year-old male who was admitted for subacute symptoms of gait disturbance and urinary incontinence. Neurological examination revealed inability to stand and memory impairment. Cranial imaging showed obstructive tetraventricular hydrocephalus with areas of gliosis in the cerebellar peduncles. Endoscopic treatment of hydrocephalus was performed and cerebrospinal fluid samples taken revealing the growth of Cryptococcus neoformans. The patient improved with the endoscopic treatment and after completing intravenous antifungal therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole for ten weeks. Antifungals are used to treat cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent patients. On rare occasions, it presents with hydrocephalus, a situation that requires surgical treatment using cerebrospinal fluid diversions or endoscopic techniques.