Chronic meningitis: a diagnostic challenge highlighted in a case of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in an apparently immunocompetent older woman.
Chronic meningitis can be difficult to diagnose. The authors report the case of an older Caucasian lady, with no underlying immunocompromising factors, who presented with a 2 month history of confusion. Due to the non-specific symptoms on presentation, a diagnosis was only obtained after a repeat CT scan of the brain, which showed hydrocephalus. Subsequent cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed biochemical abnormalities and Cryptococcus neoformans on staining.
Care of the elderly, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, UK. chigsypatel@doctors.org.uk
Chirag
C
Patel
Ramila
R
Rabindra
Nima
N
Hashemi
Michael
M
Ward
Jayamalathy Mannar
JM
Mannan
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003221:Confusion / Q000209:etiology; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000382:microbiology; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000382:microbiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed