Asymptomatic cryptococcal meningitis.

Two cases of asymptomatic cryptococcal meningitis are described. The disease was diagnosed only after Cryptococcus neoformans was cultured from lung tissue and urine. These cases represent 2 of 11 meningitis cases seen in a 10-yr period at this hospital. Of 11 cases of extraneural cryptococcosis, 6 had lumbar punctures and these 2 had positive culture results. Asymptomatic cryptococcal meningitis is not rare. Our experience suggested that lumbar punctures should be performed routinely in patients with cultures yielding Cryptococcus neoformans from extraneural sites.