Cryptococcal optic neuropathy in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans infection occurs frequently in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Cryptococcal meningitis can result in optic neuropathy. Improvement in afferent visual system dysfunction has not been documented. We report three patients with AIDS who developed either unilateral (1) or bilateral (2) afferent visual system dysfunction. The bilaterally affected patients had visual field deficits compatible with chiasmal involvement. All patients had improvement in their vision following appropriate treatment with amphotericin B. Reactivation of cryptococcal infection was heralded by neuro-ophthalmic manifestations in two patients, in spite of maintenance therapy. Despite the poor overall prognosis, AIDS patients with presumed cryptococcal optic neuropathy can benefit from optimal therapy.

Medical Subject Headings

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (complications); Adult; Cerebrospinal Fluid (microbiology); Cryptococcosis (etiology); Cryptococcus neoformans (drug effects, isolation & purification); Eye Infections, Fungal (etiology); Fundus Oculi; HIV Seropositivity (complications); Humans; Male; Optic Nerve Diseases (etiology); Visual Fields (drug effects)

Publication Date

6-1-1991

Publication Title

Journal of clinical neuro-ophthalmology

ISSN

0272-846X

Volume

11

Issue

2

First Page

96

Last Page

103

PubMed ID

1832692

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