Chronic meningitis: a diagnostic challenge highlighted in a case of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in an apparently immunocompetent older woman.

Chronic meningitis can be difficult to diagnose. The authors report the case of an older Caucasian lady, with no underlying immunocompromising factors, who presented with a 2 month history of confusion. Due to the non-specific symptoms on presentation, a diagnosis was only obtained after a repeat CT scan of the brain, which showed hydrocephalus. Subsequent cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed biochemical abnormalities and Cryptococcus neoformans on staining.