Coccidioidal meningitis. Intrathecal treatment with hyperbaric amphotericin B

Abstract

The localization of coccidioidal meningitis in the basilar regions, with resultant hydrocephalus and uniformly fatal outcome, has necessitated intrathecal injection of amphotericin B via cisternal puncture or subcutaneous ventricular reservoir for successful therapy. A simpler form of treatment is described here, whereby amphotericin B diluted in 10 percent glucose solution is injected via lumbar puncture, and delivered to the base of the skull by tilting the patient to a head-down position. A simultaneously performed hyperbaric cisternogram with (131)I-serum albumin has demonstrated satisfactory migration of the injected bolus to the occiput. This method of administration resulted in successful suppressive treatment of one patient, including two years of follow-up without serious sequelae or relapse.