Cryptococcal Meningitis and Raised Intracranial Pressure

Because increased intracranial pressure in patients with cryptococcal meningitis portends adverse outcomes, the authors of this study advocate an aggressive strategy of CSF drainage as . . .

Because increased intracranial pressure in patients with cryptococcal meningitis portends adverse outcomes, the authors of this study advocate an aggressive strategy of CSF drainage as an important corollary to medical therapy.

A striking feature of HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis is the paucity of inflammation and high organism burden in the cerebrospinal fluid. This often leads to markedly increased intracranial pressure (ICP), possibly as a result of blocking of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow by aggregates of cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide. This treatment study details the diagnosis and management of raised ICP in patients with cryptococcal meningitis.

During ACTG 159 -- which compared various treatment strategies for cryptoco…

Reviewing Author

Paul E. Sax, MD

Cryptococcal Meningitis and Raised Intracranial Pressure

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Reviewing Author