Complete Binocular Blindness as the First Manifestation of HivRelated Cryptococcal Meningitis - Case Report of 2 Cases

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 45-year-old man presented with binocular blindness , headache and fever for last 1 month with diplopia since 10 days with blurring of vision for 3 days similarly one 45 years old female presented with headache for last 2 months , diplopia since 15 days and 5 days history of blurred vision that progressed to blindness in preceding 3 hours . Cerebrospinal fluid in both cases showed pleocytosis and on CSF cultre cryptococcus neoformans was cultured. Later in both the cases serology revealed positivity for HIV antibody. Both were treated with antifungal and antiretroviral therapy. These cases indicates that HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis should be taken into consideration when determining the cause of unexpected sudden binocular blindness in retropositive patients.