Abstract in English:

Abstract Background Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is traditionally considered a sensorimotor disorder, but increasing evidence suggests that it may also involve brain systems related to emotional and cognitive functions. In this exploratory study, we investigated whether individuals with RLS show differences in social cognition, particularly in the ability to interpret others' emotional expressions and mental states. Objective To investigate social cognition in individuals with RLS, particularly affective theory of mind. Methods We compared 22 individuals with RLS and 22 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and education. Participants completed standardized tasks assessing different aspects of social cognition, including affective theory of mind, which refers to the ability to infer others' emotions. Results We found that individuals with RLS scored lower on the task assessing affective theory of mind. No significant differences were observed in other social-cognitive measures, although the relatively modest sample size may have limited the detection of subtle differences. The group difference in affective theory of mind remained significant after accounting for depressive symptoms. Conclusion These preliminary findings suggest that RLS may be associated with alterations in affective theory of mind independent of depressive symptoms. This pattern may reflect involvement of limbic-striatal networks. Larger studies incorporating sleep-related measures are needed to better understand social cognition in RLS.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Cryptococcus meningoencephalitis (CM) is the most frequently encountered manifestation of cryptococcosis. We report the case of a previously healthy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative 65-year-old man who presented with 3 days of severe holocranial headache followed by sudden psychomotor agitation, confusion, and disorganized speech, without improvement after midazolam, requiring endotracheal intubation. Initial neuroimaging suggested inactive neurocysticercosis. Early cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis with negative India ink but positive cryptococcal antigen (latex agglutination), and subsequent testing confirmed Cryptococcus neoformans. The patient received fluconazole and amphotericin B and underwent therapeutic lumbar punctures for intracranial pressure control, with opening pressures decreasing from 25 to 13 cmH2O and transient clinical improvement. Despite this response, he experienced sudden deterioration and died. Autopsy revealed diffuse cerebral edema and granulomatous adrenal involvement. This case illustrates the potential fulminant course of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in immunocompetent individuals and reinforces the importance of early recognition and aggressive intracranial pressure management.