Abstract
Background
Organic conditions can often mimic neuropsychiatric disorders, leading to delays in
diagnosis and treatment for the most vulnerable populations presenting to the emergency
department (ED).
Case Report
Here we discuss a case of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis seemingly consistent with
psychosis on initial evaluation, and present strategies to recognize and treat this
condition.
Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?
Due to the indolent time course of this disease, initial symptoms of altered mental
status and personality changes may be attributed to drug use or psychiatric illness
before more overt evidence for increased intracranial pressure and neurologic infection
develops. It is important for emergency clinicians to maintain a high level of suspicion
for this condition in at-risk patients and reassess them frequently during their ED
visit.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 20, 2019
Accepted:
March 8,
2019
Received in revised form:
March 4,
2019
Received:
July 27,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
