Spontaneous cryptococcal peritonitis in cirrhotic patients

J Postgrad Med. 2002 Jul-Sep;48(3):201-2.

Abstract

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. However, spontaneous peritonitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is uncommon. Delayed diagnosis of cryptococcal peritonitis often results in death. We describe three cases of spontaneous cryptococcal peritonitis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. One case had associated symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infection. Clinical awareness of this entity may lead to the early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ascitic Fluid / microbiology
  • Cryptococcosis / complications*
  • Cryptococcosis / diagnosis*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / isolation & purification*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / complications*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritonitis / complications*
  • Peritonitis / diagnosis*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index