False-positive cerebrospinal fluid cryptococcus antigen in Libman-Sacks endocarditis
Recommended Citation
Isseh IN, Bourgi K, Nakhle A, Ali M, Zervos MJ. False-positive cerebrospinal fluid cryptococcus antigen in Libman-Sacks endocarditis. Infection. 2016 Dec;44(6):803-805.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2016
Publication Title
Infection
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus meningoencephalitis is a serious opportunistic infection associated with high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts, particularly patients with advanced AIDS disease. The diagnosis is established through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cryptococcus antigen detection and cultures. Cryptococcus antigen testing is usually the initial test of choice due its high sensitivity and specificity along with the quick availability of the results.
CASE REPORT: We hereby report a case of a false-positive CSF cryptococcus antigen assay in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with acute confusion. While initial CSF evaluation revealed a positive cryptococcus antigen assay, the patient's symptoms were inconsistent with cryptococcus meningoencephalitis. A repeat CSF evaluation, done 3 days later, revealed a negative CSF cryptococcus antigen assay.
CONCLUSION: Given the patient's active lupus disease and the elevated antinuclear antibody titers, we believe that the initial positive result was a false positive caused by interference from autoantibodies.
Medical Subject Headings
Antigens, Fungal; Cryptococcosis; Cryptococcus; Endocarditis; False Positive Reactions; Female; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Middle Aged
PubMed ID
27246719
Volume
44
Issue
6
First Page
803
Last Page
805
