a rare case report of disseminated cryptococcal infection in a newly diagnosed hiv patient with cns and pulmonary involvement

Cryptococcus species are among the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens in immunocompromised patients, especially those with hiv, and are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. the disease is mainly caused by two encapsulated species: cryptococcus neoformans and cryptococcus gattii. these fungi exhibit neurotropism, often invading the central nervous system (cns), facilitated by their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. while cryptococcal infections most commonly manifest with neurological and/or respiratory symptoms, less commonly, dissemination to multiple organ systems can occur, a condition known as disseminated cryptococcosis. a rare case of disseminated cryptococcosis is reported in an hiv-positive patient who presented with meningitis, non-enhancing brain lesions, cryptococcemia, and pulmonary involvement. despite intensive care and empirical antimicrobial therapy, the patient deteriorated rapidly and died on the third day of hospitalization. delayed diagnosis and initiation of antifungal therapy likely contributed to the poor outcome. this case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely antifungal treatment, and routine screening in at-risk populations to improve prognosis.