Intermittent third nerve palsy with cryptococcal meningitis
Keane, J.R.
Journal of Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology 13(2): 124-126
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0272-846X PMID: 8340478 Document Number: 409851
Two cases are reported in 21- and 34-yr-old men with AIDS, who presented with headache, myalgias and weight loss. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contained cryptococci on Indian ink preparation in both cases, while CSF antigen titres were positive in 1 case and cultures grew Cryptococcus neoformans in the other. In the several days before death both patients experienced episodic unilateral 3rd nerve palsies apparently related to transient peaks in intracranial pressure. CT scans showed no evidence of tentorial herniation. Amphotericin was administered but both patients became progressively obtunded and both died.