Cryptococcosis of the central nervous system and aids

THESES

CRYPTOCOCCOSIS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND AIDS (ABSTRACT)^*. DISSERTATION. SÃO JOSÉ DO RIO PRETO, 1998.

ELISABÉTE LISO ^**

This dissertation comprehends a clinical study of 96 patients with cryptococcosis of the central nervous system and AIDS between January 1992 and November 1997. Epidemiological data were analyzed such as age, sex, race, risk factor and professional occupation.

General average age was 31.12 years-old. White color (69.9%) and men (86.5%) predominated. Major risk factor was sexual with predominance of heterosexual patients; intravenous drugs abusers were 43.8 %. According to professional occupation, mason (14.5%), cabinet-maker (12%), mechanician (10.8%) and general services (9.6%) predominated. Patients were grouped according to severity of the disease (Groups I to IV).

Clinical analysis showed predominance of headache (93.6%), vomiting (59.5%), fever (43.6%) and disturbance of behavior (27.6%).

Computed tomographic scan was performed in 63.5% of the cases with normal results in 50.8%.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed: white cell count 12 cell/mm³ (median) predominantly lymphocytes (81 %) with minimal neutrophilic reaction (2 %); protein and glucose median concentration 54 and 40.5 mg/dL, respectively. CSF cryptococcus gemulation rate was possible in 90.6 % cases. CSF cryptococcal antigens presented the highest positive rate (100 %).

Cumulative survival curve revealed a statistically significant relationship between: disturbed behavior, seizures and arterial hypertension, and Group I; lower degree pleocytosis, and Group I; and presence of plasmocyte cell, and Group IV.

KEY WORDS: cryptococcosis, AIDS, cerebrospinal fluid, central nervous system.

*

Neurocriptococose do sistema nervoso central e AIDS (Resumo). Dissertação de Mestrado, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (Área: Biologia Médica). Orientador Osvaldo Massaiti Takayanagui.

**

Address: Rua Siqueira Campos 3378 / 21, 15010-210 São José do Rio Preto SP, Brasil.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  06 Nov 2000
• Date of issue
  Mar 1999