AUTHOR=Zheng Xiao-Yu , Chen Ping , Li Dong-Yue , Chen Ke-En , Liao Jian-Cheng , Li Meng-Hui , Zhang Mao-Ying 

TITLE=Case Report: combined surgical and pharmacological management of basal ganglia cryptococcal meningoencephalitis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1601269

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2025.1601269

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=IntroductionCryptococcal meningoencephalitis involving the basal ganglia is exceedingly rare and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its tumor-mimicking presentation. This case underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach integrating surgical intervention and targeted antifungal therapy.Case presentationA 47-years-old immunocompetent female presented with progressive headache and left-sided hemiparesis. Neuroimaging identified a basal ganglia mass initially misdiagnosed as a neoplastic lesion.InterventionsSurgical resection under neuroelectrophysiological monitoring was combined with amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole.OutcomesComplete lesion excision, symptom resolution, and mild memory deficits at 4-years follow-up.LessonsCombined therapy is pivotal for CM with parenchymal involvement; early surgery may mitigate irreversible neurological sequelae.