Decision
point
DAY 7
ICU Admission
Decision point
Who is at risk of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis
and why should you suspect early?
Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is the most prevalent
fungal central nervous system (CNS) infection worldwide,
affecting approximately 1 million people every year.2
With high mortality rates of 90–100% in
immunocompromised patients,2 early detection and
prompt initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy remain
crucial to improving outcomes.2,3 Clinical symptoms to
look out for include headache, seizures, cranial nerve
abnormalities and altered mental state, which often
progress to coma and death.3
Which of the following are risk factors for fungal
meningoencephalitis?
?
DAY 9-11
Treatment initiation
Disseminated disease2
Extensive wounds(e.g., burns)2
Malignancy3
HIV/AIDS2
Diabetes2
Immunosuppression3
Neutropenia2
Solid organ transplant3
All of these patients would be at risk of fungal
meningoencephalitis.2,3
In Mustafa's case, his HIV infection increased his risk for
cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Although the disease is
primarily associated with advanced HIV/AIDS and other
immunosuppressive conditions, it can occasionally occur in
immunocompetent hosts.3
Decision
point
Decision point
?
DAY 7
ICU Admission
Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is the most prevalent fungal central nervous system (CNS) infection
worldwide, affecting approximately 1 million people every year.2
With high mortality rates of 90–100% in immunocompromised patients,2 early detection and prompt initiation of
appropriate antifungal therapy remain crucial to improving outcomes.2,3 Clinical symptoms to look out for include
headache, seizures, cranial nerve abnormalities and altered mental state, which often progress to coma and death.3
Which of the following are risk factors for fungal meningoencephalitis?
Who is at risk of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and
why should you suspect early?
Disseminated disease2
HIV/AIDS2
Neutropenia2
Solid organ transplant3
Diabetes2
Immunosuppression3
Extensive wounds(e.g., burns)2
Malignancy3
DAY 9-11
Treatment initiation
All of these patients would be at risk of fungal meningoencephalitis.2,3
In Mustafa's case, his HIV infection increased his risk for cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Although the disease is primarily associated with advanced HIV/AIDS and other
immunosuppressive conditions, it can occasionally occur in immunocompetent hosts.3