Clinical data of 4 cases of CM with a confirmed etiological diagnosis were analyzed retrospectively, and literature retrieval was used to investigate clinical features and possible pathogenesis. Results: The main clinical manifestation consisted of headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and disruption of consciousness. Cryptococcus neoformans was found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture of all 4 patients, and the ink stain of the CSF of 2 of these patients were positive for cryptococcus neoformans. Immunocompromized individuals are susceptible. CSF pressure is heightened. Differential diagnosis includes tuberculous encephalitis/meningitis. The current clinically recommended treatment is amphotericin B with flucytosine in induction treatment and fluconazole in consolidation and maintenance treatment. Conclusion: Clinical presentation of CM varies greatly and shows low positive rate in the ink stain of CSF. During the clinical diagnosis process, repeated ink stain examination and culturing of CSF can help reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis