title: Reversible Deafness and Blindness in a Patient with Cryptococcal Meningitis in Tanzania.
abstract: Cryptococcal meningitis is a common and devastating complication of advanced HIV, and is most prevalent in low resource settings in sub Saharan Africa. Raised intracranial pressure is one of the hallmarks of the disease, which can lead to visual and hearing loss and ultimately death. We present the case of a patient with visual and hearing impairment secondary to Cryptococcal meningitis successfully managed by serial cerebrospinal fluid drainage. This case highlights some of the challenges of managing this severe opportunistic infection in a low resource setting.
authors.affiliation: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada.
authors.forename: Matt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Douglas-Vail
authors.affiliation: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada.
authors.forename: Taylor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bechamp
authors.affiliation: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada.
authors.forename: Simran
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gohal
authors.affiliation: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Soegtrop
authors.affiliation: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vitali
authors.affiliation: Muhimbili National Hospital , Tanzania.
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rugemalila
authors.affiliation: Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London , UK.
authors.forename: Neil R H
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Stone
keywords: Cryptococcal meningitis; HIV; fluconazole; mycology; opportunistic infections