[Bilateral amaurosis due to cryptococcus meningoencephalitis: case report].

Cryptococcal meningitis is caused by the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. Two varieties are recognized: var. gattii and var. neoformans. It is usually associated with immunosuppressive states, particularly HIV infection. Cryptococcal infection of the central nervous system is uncommon in immunocompetent children and difficult to diagnose. Ocular complications are common. Optic disc swelling was found in 33%. The following report describes a case of meningitis caused by C. neoformans var. gattii in an 8 year-old immunocompetent child who developed optic atrophy. The patient was treated with amphotericin B associated with corticosteroids. Possible therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing visual loss in cryptococcal meningitis have great importance to avoid this important morbidity.