Abstract

HURTADO GARCIA, Steven  and  QUINTERO-CUSGUEN, Patricia. Meningeal cryptococcosis. Acta Neurol Colomb. [online]. 2021, vol.37, n.1, suppl.1, pp.90-100.  Epub May 22, 2021. ISSN 0120-8748.  https://doi.org/10.22379/24224022339.

Cryptococcosis is a disease produced by encapsulated yeast that is acquired by inhalation of infecting Cryp-tococcus propagules, mainly by C. neoformnas and less frequently by C gatti. The distribution of this fungus is global, but it is commonly found in the excreta of birds such as pigeons. The main commitment in people is at the level of the lungs, the brain or in a disseminated way. Cryptococcosis in the central nervous system (CNS) presents with meningoencephalitis, rarely as localized granulomatous lesions known as cryptococcoma. This mycosis is a frequent cause of meningitis especially found in patients with HIV / AIDS. The clinical manifestations of cryptococcosis in the CNS are: headache, altered mental status, fever, nausea, vomiting, visual impairment, sixth cranial nerve palsy, and signs of meningeal irritation, among others. Diagnosis is made by culture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) microscopy, or by detection of cryptococcal antigen. The treatment of cryptococcal meningitis is divided into three phases: induction, consolidation, and maintenance. The mainstays of treatment are amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole.

Keywords : cryptococcosis; central nervous system; HIV; cerebrospinal fluid; culture; antigens; amphotericin B; fluconazole.

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