Disseminated cryptococcosis with splenic and meningeal involvement in a patient with AIDS

Abstract

We present the case of a 37-year-old woman with a recent diagnosis of HIV-infection. The patient consulted because of headache, diarrhea, vomit and fever of two weeks' evolution. The patient had a wasting syndrome, and severe splenomegaly. Cerebral spinal fluid study showed meningitis by Cryptococcus neoformans. CT-scan revealed splenomegaly with focal lesions. Percutaneous biopsy with 18-gauge needle from one of the focal lesions confirmed cryptococcosis. The treatment was initiated with amphotericin B, followed by fluconazole. The patient's evolution has been satisfactory. Splenic lesions resolved and the patient is now asymptomatic and on secondary profilaxis with fluconazole and antiretroviral treatment