We present a case of a 29-year-old immunocompetent female without any known comorbidities with intermittent headache and vomiting who was ultimately diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Though her neuroimaging findings were atypical to those commonly found in CM, she was diagnosed with CM with a cryptococcal antigen test. However, in contrast to the good prognosis as stated in the literature, she died during her course stay at the hospital. Therefore, cryptococcosis should be taken as differentials, even in an immunocompetent individual presenting with features suggestive of meningitis, to prevent the worst clinical outcome.
Introduction and importance:
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like syndrome (MELAS) is a rare neurodegenerative inherited disorder that is characterized by stroke-like episodes, seizures, endocrine, and multiple system involvement. It is important to consider it as a differential diagnosis in a young patient with stroke-like episodes as it is progressive and has multiple complications.
Case presentation:
A 28-year-old male presented with slurring of speech and drowsiness for 7 h. He was a diagnosed case of type 2 diabetes mellitus, Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, and bilateral hearing loss.
Clinical findings and investigations:
The patient had expressive aphasia with impaired fluency, repetition, and naming. After being discharged, he represented with loss of consciousness and involuntary movements of the whole body. MRI and MRS showed extension of hyperintense lesions to parieto-occipital regions from temporal regions not limited by vascular territories. MELAS was considered, which was confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. Coenzyme Q10 was used for MELAS. Insulin, Linagliptin, and levetiracetam were used for diabetes and seizures. Regular follow-up was advised to the patient.
MELAS is an important syndrome to consider in any young patient presenting with unexplained stroke disorders. A high index of suspicion is needed in an appropriate clinical setting to avoid misdiagnosis.
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