Coccidioidal meningitis presenting as memory loss.
OBJECTIVE
This case study is designed to help the nurse practitioner recognize atypical symptoms of coccidioidal meningitis, particularly in high-risk groups that require further diagnostic treatment.


METHODS
Selected research, clinical articles, and case studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Coccidioidal meningitis is a potentially lethal infection unless recognized and treated. Unlike other infectious meningitides that present with more acute meningeal symptoms, disseminated coccidioidomycosis can present insidiously. When it presents as cognitive dysfunction, it may be mistaken for early dementia and if undiagnosed can result in death. While it is an infectious disease that is endemic to a small number of southwestern states, these areas see a high volume of tourists who can unwittingly become infected. Knowledge of this infectious disease and the many ways it can imitate other diseases is critical to its early recognition and treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Failure to recognize this reemerging, endemic fungal infection in high-risk groups can result in death.
Snyder
Charlene Hoffman
CH
D000368:Aged; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003045:Coccidioides / Q000254:growth & development; D003047:Coccidioidomycosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000382:microbiology*; D016921:Meningitis, Fungal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000451:nursing; D012307:Risk Factors; D012988:Soil Microbiology
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D015725:Fluconazole