Discussion
Diagnosis With Brief Discussion
- Diagnosis
- Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in AIDS patient
- Radiologic Findings
- Chest simple radiograph shows small nodular opacity in the left lower lung field.
On follow-up chest radiograph three months later, the size of nodule in left lower lung field increased.
Chest CT scans with lung window setting show multiple small nodules in right middle lobe and both lower lobes.
Percutaneous needle aspiration was performed. The pathologic diagnosis was cryptococcal infection.
Two years ago, he diagnosed as cryptococcal meningitis.
Brain MRI obtained two years ago. Enhance T1 weighted axial images show leptomeningeal enhancement in right parasagittal area and posterior fossa.
- Brief Review
- Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous fungus found worldwide, particularly in soil contaminated by pigeon droppings. It is a thin-walled nonmycelial budding yeast that is characterized by a thick polysaccharide capsule best seen on India ink preparations.
Cryptococcal infection usually results from inhalation of organisms; dependent on host immune status, the infection may remain isolated to the lungs or undergo hematogenous spread to involve the CNS, bones, and skin. Pulmonary cryptococcosis occurs rarely in immunocompetent individuals. Defects in cellular immune function predispose to infection, with susceptible patient groups including those with HIV infection, lymphoma, leukemia, malignancy, and drug-induced immunosuppression.
The radiographic manifestations of pulmonary cryptococcosis have been described to occur in three major patterns: solitary pulmonary nodule or mass, segmental or lobar consolidation, and small nodular or reticulonodular pattern. Associated findings may include cavitation, lymphadenopathy, and pleural effusion. Cavitation occurs in approximately 10% of nodules. Diffuse involvement, including military pattern, lymph node enlargement, and cavitation, is seen commonly in immunosuppressed patients.
- References
- 1. Zinck SE, Leung AN, Frost M, Berry GJ, Muller NL. Pulmonary cryptococcosis: CT and pathologic findings. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2002 ;26:330-4.
2. Lacomis JM, Costello P, Vilchez R, Kusne S. The radiology of pulmonary cryptococcosis in a tertiary medical center. J Thorac Imaging. 2001 ;16:139-48. 3. Muller NL, Fraser RS, Lee KS, Johkoh T. Diseases of the lung. Philadelphia: Lippincott Wiliams & Wilkins, 2003:56-57.
- Keywords
- Lung, Infection, Fungal infection,