[Significance of intracranial hypertension management in cryptococcal meningitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Report of 2 cases].

Two cases of cryptococcal meningitis and increased intracranial pressure in patients with acquired immunodeficiency are described. Both patients presented high intracranial pressure that persisted despite optimal antifungal treatment (amphotericin B, 5-flucytosine initially, and fluconazole posteriorly). The elevated intracranial pressure produced headache, seizures, and reduced visual and auditory acuity. CAT scan demonstrated absence of ventricular dilatation or focal lesions. Both cases were treated with adequate antifungal therapy, as well as with repeated lumbar punctures and placement of a lumboperitoneal shunt due to the persistence of elevated intracranial pressure. One patient presented with unilateral loss of vision due to optic nerve atrophy. After one year of follow-up, one patient died due to progression of his disease, while the other is still alive and without evidence of neurological disease. Intracranial hypertension is a frequent clinical manifestation of cryptococcal meningitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that requires adequate diagnosis and management. Treatment should be directed towards the reduction of intracranial pressure though repeated lumbar punctures and, in some cases, with lumboperitoneal or ventricular-peritoneal shunts.