J Clin Neurol.  2007 Dec;3(4):212-214. 10.3988/jcn.2007.3.4.212.

Complete Binocular Blindness as the First Manifestation of HIV-Related Cryptococcal Meningitis

• Hong YJ
• Jung S
• Kim JY
• Kwon SB
• Song KB
• Hwang SH
• Min YK
• Kwon KH
• Lee BC

• KMID: 1808562
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3988/jcn.2007.3.4.212

Abstract

Ocular complications of HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis are reasonably common, but complete binocular blindness as the first manifestation of HIV is extremely rare. A 58-year-old man presented with binocular blindness. He experienced blurred vision for 3 days before the blindness. Mild pleocytosis was present in the cerebrospinal fluid, from which Cryptococcus neoformans was cultured. Serology revealed positivity for HIV antibody. He was treated with antifungal and antiretroviral therapy. This case indicates that HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis should be taken into consideration when determining the cause of unexpected sudden binocular blindness.

Keyword

HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis; Complete binocular blindness

MeSH Terms

Blindness*
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cryptococcus neoformans
HIV
Humans
Leukocytosis
Meningitis, Cryptococcal*
Middle Aged
Telescopes*

Figure

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  Figure 1 No wave formation on visual evoked potential for half-field stimulation suggested conduction defects on bilateral pathways.

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  Figure 2 India ink staining showing round, thin-walled encapsulated yeast.

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