Rituximab-associated cryptococcal meningitis in systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report

Medical Mycology Case Reports 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Sheyla Cadena, Ricardo Bedón-Galarza, Miguel Cachumba, Fabricio González-Andrade, Lucy Baldeón
DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2026.100762
Cited by: 1
References: 14

Abstract

We report a 41-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed cryptococcal meningitis five months after a second rituximab cycle. Initial symptoms mimicked an SLE flare, delaying diagnosis. Worsening neurologic deficits prompted lumbar puncture, revealing findings consistent with fungal meningitis and CSF culture positive for Cryptococcus neoformans . Treatment with amphotericin B and fluconazole resulted in clinical improvement, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and the need for early evaluation in immunosuppressed SLE patients.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Fungal Infections and Studies Nail Diseases and Treatments Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis

Publication details

Journal / source
Medical Mycology Case Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
51
Pages
100762–100762
Publication date
20 January 2026
Language
EN