[Cryptococcal meningitis as initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus].
REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS MÉDICAS 2012;
69:47-50. [PMID:
22917073]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Infection is one of the most frequent etiology of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cryptococcal meningitis is a recognized complication of SLE with high mortality rates in those treated with immunosuppressive agents. We describe a patient with cryptoccoccal meningitis and SLE. This case suggests that intrinsic immunological abnormality related to SLE predisposed to opportunistic infections.
CLINICAL CASE
A 25 years old woman was admitted because of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. She had ascitis and abdominal pain and neurological examination was normal.. Laboratory findings showed mild anemia, leukocytes: 6350/mm(3). Total lymphocytes: 508/mm(3) (CD4 +: 75 cel/mm(3)). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): 40mm/h, Coombs test (+). Abdominal CT scan showed ascites and pleural bilateral effusion. Two days after her admission, VDRL test was positive ( 1/64). Lumbar puncture was done and the r cerebrospinal fluid showed: normal glucose and protein level with normal cells. Fungi elements were found and Cryptococcus neoformans were identified. She received Anfotericin B treatment. HIV and TPHA test were negative. Antinuclear and anti-ds-DNA were positive in high levels and low levels of complement were found. Methylprednisolone pulses were s administered intravenously for three days. Cerebrospinal fluid was normal after 10 weeks of antifungical treatment.
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