Disseminated cryptococcosis with meningitis, peritonitis, and cryptococcemia in a HIV-negative patient with cirrhosis: a case report.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-28-2009

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that causes serious infections in immunocompromised populations. The majority of cases occur in HIV-infected individuals. Disseminated disease is uncommon, and very rarely includes peritonitis.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 41-year-old, HIV-negative, Caucasian man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis who presented with fever and seizure. Disseminated cryptococcosis with meningitis, peritonitis, and cryptococcemia was diagnosed, and despite adequate treatment the patient developed multi-system organ failure and eventually expired.

CONCLUSION: Disseminated cryptococcosis, particularly with peritonitis, is an uncommon manifestation of Cryptococcus neoformans infection. Liver cirrhosis serves as a risk factor for disseminated disease in HIV-negative patients. A high clinical suspicion and early initiation of therapy is needed to recognize and treat patients effectively.

Volume

2

First Page

170

Last Page

170

ISSN

1757-1626

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

19946481

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

Share

COinS