Korean J Med.  2015 Dec;89(6):742-745. 10.3904/kjm.2015.89.6.742.

Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient without Immunosuppressants

• Bae SY
• Kim JY
• Oh HH
• Choi SJ
• Lee JH
• Park M
• Han SH

• KMID: 2268937
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2015.89.6.742

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection that generally occurs in patients with cell-mediated immune dysfunction and involves the central nervous system. Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients because of its innate immune dysfunction along with the administration of steroids and immunosuppressants. However, central nervous system cryptococcosis has rarely been reported in SLE patients. A timely diagnosis is critical because of its significant mortality and morbidity. Most cases of cryptococcal meningitis in SLE patients have been reported in those treated with steroids or immunosuppressants. We report on a SLE patient not on medication, who was diagnosed with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis.

Keyword

Cryptococcosis; Meningitis, Cryptococcal; Lupus erythematosus, Systemic

MeSH Terms

Central Nervous System
Cryptococcosis
Diagnosis
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents*
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*
Meningitis, Cryptococcal
Meningoencephalitis*
Mortality
Opportunistic Infections
Steroids
Immunosuppressive Agents
Steroids