Scholarlink

Introduction <p>Disseminated cryptococcosis is a rare and serious fungal infection, typically seen in immunocompromised individuals. Its presentation in immunocompetent patients is uncommon and can mimic malignancies, such as lymphoproliferative disorders. Here we report a case of an elderly female with symptoms suggestive of malignancy but was diagnosed with disseminated cryptococcosis.</p> Case presentation <p>A 62-year-old apparently immunocompetent woman presented with drowsiness, fever, generalized weakness, and an 8&#xa0;kg weight loss over six months. Imaging studies, including PET-CT, revealed FDG-avid lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, and a supraclavicular lymph node biopsy identified disseminated cryptococcosis with fungal elements. Despite extensive investigations, no immunosuppressive risk factors were identified. The patient was treated with liposomal Amphotericin B and oral Fluconazole. However, the patient did not survive.</p> Discussion <p>Though uncommon, disseminated cryptococcosis can present similarly to malignancies in immunocompetent individuals. The use of imaging alone is insufficient for diagnosis. Instead, histopathological and microbiological confirmation is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure timely antifungal therapy.</p> Conclusion <p>Disseminated cryptococcosis is a rare but important differential diagnosis in patients with systemic lymphadenopathy and CNS involvement, regardless of immune status.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

When infection masquerades as cancer: a case report of disseminated cryptococcosis

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月16日

查看全文
  • Mukesh Kumar Sharma,
  • Amit Tekeshwar Turkar

摘要

Introduction

Disseminated cryptococcosis is a rare and serious fungal infection, typically seen in immunocompromised individuals. Its presentation in immunocompetent patients is uncommon and can mimic malignancies, such as lymphoproliferative disorders. Here we report a case of an elderly female with symptoms suggestive of malignancy but was diagnosed with disseminated cryptococcosis.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old apparently immunocompetent woman presented with drowsiness, fever, generalized weakness, and an 8 kg weight loss over six months. Imaging studies, including PET-CT, revealed FDG-avid lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, and a supraclavicular lymph node biopsy identified disseminated cryptococcosis with fungal elements. Despite extensive investigations, no immunosuppressive risk factors were identified. The patient was treated with liposomal Amphotericin B and oral Fluconazole. However, the patient did not survive.

Discussion

Though uncommon, disseminated cryptococcosis can present similarly to malignancies in immunocompetent individuals. The use of imaging alone is insufficient for diagnosis. Instead, histopathological and microbiological confirmation is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure timely antifungal therapy.

Conclusion

Disseminated cryptococcosis is a rare but important differential diagnosis in patients with systemic lymphadenopathy and CNS involvement, regardless of immune status.