Cryptococcosis
General description
Cryptococcus meningitis is primarily caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus commonly found in bird feces. Approximately half of the patients with this condition have underlying diseases such as AIDS, are undergoing immune suppression therapy, have had an organ transplant, are suffering from malignancy, or are experiencing liver failure.
The clinical manifestations of Cryptococcus meningitis include headache, nausea, fever, and altered mental status. Laboratory analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) typically reveals increased lymphocytes and protein levels, along with decreased glucose levels.
Gelatinous pseudocyst
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Putamen
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Globus pallidus
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Thalamus
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BrainstemMidbrain
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Caudate nucleus
A gelatinous pseudocyst, composed of Cryptococcus and a gelatinous membrane, is depicted as a non-enhanced cystic lesion in MRI scans. T2WI reveals bilateral hyperintensity in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and midbrain. FLAIR imaging demonstrates hyperintensity, distinguishing it from the dilation of the perivascular space.
Gelatinous pseudocyst
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Caudate nucleus
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Putamen
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Globus pallidus
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Thalamus
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BrainstemMidbrain
Gelatinous pseudocysts may be depicted as space occupying lesions or as T2WI high signal with indistinct borders and may not appear to be space occupying lesions.
Meningitis
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Dura mater
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Leptomenix
Nodular thickening of the meninges with contrast enhancement is occasionally observed in imaging studies. Contrast-enhanced T1WI may reveal either leptomeningeal enhancement or pachymeningeal enhancement.
Cryptococcoma
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Cerebrum
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Cerebellum
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VentricleChoroid plexus
Cryptococcoma, a rare manifestation of Cryptococcosis, appears as a mass, with or without mass effect, and demonstrates ring enhancement on imaging.