BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis is an uncommon but severe complication of sarcoidosis. METHODS We present 2 patients with cryptococcal meningitis complicating sarcoidosis and compared findings with 38 cases reported in the literature. RESULTS When analyzing our patients and 38 cases reported in the literature, we found that median age of sarcoidosis patients with cryptococcal meningitis ...

The potential for cross-reaction between Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum in antigen assays was evaluated. We tested patient samples, spleens from infected mice, and purified polysaccharides in the MVista Histoplasma antigen enzyme immunoassay and cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination system for cross-reactivity, and none was observed.

BACKGROUND Largely due to the lack of diagnostic reagents, the prevalence and clinical presentation of cryptococcal meningitis in Tanzania is poorly understood. This in turn is limiting the impact of increased fluconazole availability. METHODS We evaluated a cohort of 149 consecutive HIV-infected adult inpatients presenting with headache or altered mental status for clinical features, CD4 cou...

Three cases of false-negative cerebrospinal fluid latex agglutination test results for patients with culture-positive cryptococcal meningitis are reported. False-negative results occurred in settings of low cryptococcal antigen concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and were dependent on the latex agglutination test kit used. Investigation of each case revealed that prozone phenomena or interfer...

We present a case of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis producing narrowing of both middle cerebral arteries on MRI/MRA, described in a 56-year-old man with a history of Wegener's granulomatosis. Diagnosis was based on the presence of cryptococcal antigen in serum and CSF. Imaging performed seven months after initial presentation demonstrated thickened enhancing leptomeninges with focal inflammat...

We present a case of disseminated cryptococcal disease, coexisting with and mimicking lymphoma. Determination of serum cryptococcal antigen should be considered for lymphopenic patients with hematologic malignancies, presenting with unexplained fever, and/or lymphadenopathy and/or pulmonary findings. Patients with hematologic malignancies treated with chemotherapy regimens are susceptible to di...

Chromium chloride was used as a coupling agent for the conjugation of purified cryptococcal polysaccharide to sheep erythrocytes. Sensitized erythrocytes were used in a passive hemagglutination (PHA) assay for antibody to cryptococcal polysaccharide and a passive hemagglutination inhibition (PHI) assay for antigen. The PHA assay was more sensitive than complement fixation, agglutination, or pre...

We present a case of a 23-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with chronic meningitis and was diagnosed as cryptococcal meningitis by positive cryptococcal antigen titer. The cerebrospinal fluid culture was positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. He was treated initially with amphotericin B but was later changed to fluconazole due to toxicity. This case highlights the use of fluconazole t...