Case Report: Cryptococcal Meningitis as Stroke Mimic in ICL Patient

Abstract

Background : Cryptococcal infections are frequently encountered in immunocompromised patients including patients with idiopathic CD4 T cell lymphocytopenia (ICL). They are predisposed to severe Cryptococcal infections like Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and few may present atypically as stroke mimic. Objective: To report a case of Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in a patient with ICL who presented as stroke mimic. Methods and Material : We are reporting a case of an elderly gentleman who presented with symptoms and signs of acute stroke but upon evaluation he was diagnosed as Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and ICL. Result: Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis may present as stroke mimic in immunocompromised patients having ICL. Conclusion : A high index of suspicion for Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is warranted in immunocompromised patients with ICL who present with acute neurological signs and symptoms.