A Case Report of Cryptococcal Meningitis Presenting with Psychiatric Abnormalities

Abstract

Introduction: Cryptococcal infection is a significant pathogen causing meningitis, often manifesting early with psychiatric abnormalities. Due to the lack of other specific symptoms, these behavioral changes are frequently misattributed to other mental disorders or overlooked, leading to delays in diagnosis. This article reports on the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with cryptococcal meningitis and summarizes the abnormal behavior in terms of mental and behavioral aspects of cryptococcal meningitis patients, providing a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. Case Presentation: We present a case of cryptococcal meningitis where the initial abnormal behaviors were attributed to stress, resulting in a lack of emphasis on cryptococcal treatment and subsequent failure of standard anti-infective therapy. Ultimately, we discovered abnormalities through cerebrospinal fluid examination and conducted targeted tests for Cryptococcus, resulting in a clear diagnosis and timely adoption of appropriate treatment measures. The patient's condition improved, and they were discharged. Conclusions: It is crucial for clinicians to deepen their understanding of cryptococcal meningitis. When encountering patients with unexplained fever accompanied by psychiatric and behavioral changes, a high suspicion for cryptococcal infection should be maintained.