Disseminated cryptococcosis

Infection with C. neoformans, a yeast-like fungus is being recognised more frequently than hitherto. The clinical diagnosis of Cryptococcosis is difficult. Symptoms of meningo-encephalitis are the commonest presenting feature of disseminated Cryptococcosis due to the predeliction of the fungus for the C.S.F. (Moss 1960). The disease is frequently diagnosed by the discovery of the organism in the C.S.F. Although neurological symptoms are common their presentation may be bizzare. The signs may be of meningeal irritation, a space occupying lesion, encephalitis, hemiplegia or coma, (Aberfeld and Gladstone I 967). The case presented below is interesting as a clinico-pathological correlation. The wide spread systemic dissemination of the organism in relation to the paucity of presenting signs and symptoms is alarming.