[Cryptococcal meningitis in a patient without known predisposing disease].

Cryptococcal meningitis is a rare disease. It may occur as a superinfection in AIDS patients or other immunosuppressed patients. We describe a case of cryptococcal meningitis in a non-immunosuppressed patient. Initial symptoms were fatigue, depression and headache. A correct diagnosis was made after two weeks based on microscopic examination of cerebrospinal fluid. The patient died after six days on antimycotic therapy. Cryptococcosis is a difficult diagnosis, as our case illustrates. Psychiatric symptoms are often the first clinical manifestations. Early diagnosis is crucial for the outcome. A short overview on cryptococcosis is given.