This particular patient's CSF analysis revealed raised cryptococcal antigen and positive India ink staining. Blood culture was positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. HIV screening was negative. He was managed with intravenous amphotericin. The clinical and radiological features are consistent with cryptococcal ventriculitis.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that mainly affects the central nervous system. CNS cryptococcosis is common in HIV-AIDS patients, much less so in immunocompromised patients due to other etiologies (e.g. diabetes). CNS cryptococcosis may manifest as meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, and ventriculitis.