Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a recognized complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with high mortality rates, particularly in those treated with immunosuppressive agents. We describe a patient diagnosed simultaneously with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and SLE and reviewed four similar cases reported in the literature. In our case, profound low CD4 lymphocyte count and low complement levels were observed. The patient was treated with prednisolone, fluconazole, and 5-flucytosine and evinced good clinical improvement. This case suggests that intrinsic immunological abnormality related to SLE predisposed to opportunistic infections.
Highlights
Despite a significant increase in the survival of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality [1]
The spectrum of infections reported in patients with SLE has varied
Hung et al [6] reported that cryptococcal meningoencephalitis played the major role in Central nervous system (CNS) infections of patients with SLE
Summary
Despite a significant increase in the survival of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality [1]. Hung et al [6] reported that cryptococcal meningoencephalitis played the major role in CNS infections of patients with SLE. They retrospectively reviewed 17 cases of CNS infections during a 20-year follow up of 3,165 patients with SLE and 10 (59%) of 17 patients had been diagnosed with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. 4 cases of cryptococcus meningoencephalitis during a 15-year follow up of 1,155 patients with SLE.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
