Rituximab-associated cryptococcal meningitis in systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report
Journal
Medical Mycology Case Reports
ISSN
2211-7539
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Sheyla Cadena
Ricardo Bedón-Galarza
Miguel Cachumba
Lucy Baldeón-Rojas
Type
journal-article
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. © 2026 The Authors