Cryptococcal Meningitis and Autoimmune Encephalitis in a Young Adult Filipino Patient: A Case Report


Authors : Aldin D. Gaspar

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mv3p9enr

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may1160

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This case report describes the nursing care of a 23-year-old male patient admitted to the intensive care unit with a rare diagnosis of concurrent cryptococcal meningitis and autoimmune encephalitis. The patient presented with rapid onset neurological symptoms, including slurred speech, diaphoresis, weakness, syncope, and seizures. Diagnostic workup included Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) analysis, which revealed findings suggestive of cryptococcal infection. The patient was managed with steroids, antifungal therapy and supportive care. This case highlights the importance of considering both infectious and autoimmune etiologies in patients presenting with complex neurological manifestations.

Keywords : Cryptococcal Meningitis, Autoimmune Encephalitis, Case Report, Nursing Care, Intensive Care Unit.

References :

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  2. Neațu, M., Jugurt, A., Covaliu, A., Davidescu, E. I., & Popescu, B. O. (2023). Autoimmune Encephalitis-A Multifaceted Pathology. Biomedicines, 11(8), 2176. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082176
  3. Nguyen, L., & Wang, C. (2023). Anti-NMDA Receptor Autoimmune Encephalitis: Diagnosis and Management Strategies. International journal of general medicine, 16, 7–21. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S397429
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  10. Valdoleiros, S. R., Calejo, M., Marinho, A., Martins da Silva, A., Vasconcelos, O., Gonçalves, M. J., & Sarmento E Castro, R. (2020). First report of concomitant cryptococcal meningitis and anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Brain, behavior, & immunity - health, 2, 100036. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100036
  11. Khan, A. F., Arshad, T., Alvi, Z., & Wasay, M. (2022). Cryptococcal meningitis and anti NMDA antibodies in an immunocompetent patient. Neuroimmunology Reports, 2, 100084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nerep.2022.100084

This case report describes the nursing care of a 23-year-old male patient admitted to the intensive care unit with a rare diagnosis of concurrent cryptococcal meningitis and autoimmune encephalitis. The patient presented with rapid onset neurological symptoms, including slurred speech, diaphoresis, weakness, syncope, and seizures. Diagnostic workup included Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) analysis, which revealed findings suggestive of cryptococcal infection. The patient was managed with steroids, antifungal therapy and supportive care. This case highlights the importance of considering both infectious and autoimmune etiologies in patients presenting with complex neurological manifestations.

Keywords : Cryptococcal Meningitis, Autoimmune Encephalitis, Case Report, Nursing Care, Intensive Care Unit.

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