Utility of handheld non-mydriatic fundoscopy in a case of bilateral, reversible vision loss in an advanced HIV patient with cryptococcal meningitis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection that is typically caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and most commonly seen in severely immunosuppressed patient. This disease causes severe neurologic disease due to elevated intracranial pressures. In this case report, we describe a patient with newly diagnosed HIV presenting to the hospital with cryptococcal meningitis complicated by sudden vision loss. We highlight the role of prompt diagnosis and treatment in the reversal of vision loss, with subsequent monitoring using a handheld, non-mydriatic fundus imaging device.

Keywords

• Cryptococcus
• Meningitis
• Blindness
• Fundoscopy
• HIV