Cryptococcosis

Background

• Can produce focal cerebral lesions or diffuse meningoencephalitis

Clinical Features

1. Fever
2. Headache
3. Nausea
4. AMS
5. Focal neurologic deficits

Diagnosis

• Neuroimaging usually normal
• CSF Studies
  • Crypto antigen (100% Sn & Sp)
  • Crypto culture (95%-100% Sn)
  • India Ink (60-80% Sn)
• Opening pressure
  • Usually elevated; drain CSF until pressure is <20 or 50% of opening presure
• Serum
  • Cryptococcal antigen testing (95% Sn)

Treatment

Pulmonary (not AIDs associated)

• Fluconazole 400mg PO IV q24hrs x 6-12 months
• Itraconazole 200mg PO q12hrs daily x 6-12 months
• Voriconazole 200mg PO q12hrs x 6-12 months

Pulmonary (with AIDS)

• Fluconazole 400mg PO q24hrs x 6-12 months

Meningitis (not AIDs associated)

• Amphotericin B 0.7-1mg/kg IV q24hrs + Flucytosine 25mg/kg PO q6hrs x 4 weeks
  • Followed by Fluconazole 400mg PO q24hrs x 8 weeks

Meningitis (with AIDS)

• Amphotericine B 0.7=1mg/kg IV q24hrs + Flycytosine 25mg/kg PO q6hrs x 2 weeks
  • Followed by Fluconazole 400mg PO q24hrs x 8 weeks

Disposition

• Admit

Source

• Tintinalli