Spectrum of cryptococcal manifestations in a young male with human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

We present the case of a young male with human immunodeficiency virus and a history of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy who developed cryptococcal meningitis. This case highlights the diverse medical and clinical presentations of central nervous system cryptococcosis in an immunocompromised individual from a radiology perspective. CT and MR imaging demonstrated basal ganglia enhancement and leptomeningeal involvement, characteristic of this pathogen. This report underscores the significance of advanced imaging modalities, in particular MRI, in diagnosing cryptococcal meningitis. Additionally, other manifestations of cryptococcus, including within the thorax, are highlighted in the same patient. The combination of these findings, along with confirmatory cerebral spinal fluid analysis, are crucial to the rapid initiation of an appropriate antifungal regimen for treatment.

Keywords: AIDS; Brain lesion; CNS infection; Cryptococcus; Human immunodeficiency virus.