Brain Scanning and Cisternography in Cryptococcosis

Cerebral cryptococcosis in Malaysia.

“…When dealing with a known case of cryptococcal meningitis, one can use pneumoencephalography as safely as ventriculography, since communication between the ventricles and the subarachnoid space is the rule. Isotope cisternography has been recommended (Wilhelm et al, 1973) and computerized axial tomography would be ideal if available. Where there is symptomatic hydrocephalus, we believe that shunting is preferable to cerebrospinal fluid drainage, frequent lumbar punctures, or expectant treatment.…”

Possibility of diagnosing meningitis by gas chromatography: cryptococcal meningitis

“…This test is quite specific for cryptococcal polysaccharide, but the diagnosis of cryptococcal infection cannot be excluded on the basis of a negative serological test, since false negative results may occur in culturally proven cases of cryptococcal meningitis (6,11,15). Other attempts to aid in the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis have included the use of membrane filters (Millipore Corp.) (14), immunofluorescence (25), brain scanning (24), and analysis of CSF alcohol content (9). In this study another technique, EC-GLC, was investi-gated as a possible tool in the rapid diagnosis of cryptococcal infection.…”