An unusual case of disseminated cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent host presenting with verrucous skin lesions

Heloi Stefani; Laís Lopes Almeida Gomes; Fernanda Gonçalves Moya

doi:10.1016/j.mmcr.2023.100606

An unusual case of disseminated cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent host presenting with verrucous skin lesions

Med Mycol Case Rep. 2023 Aug 29:42:100606. doi: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2023.100606. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Heloi Stefani¹, Laís Lopes Almeida Gomes², Fernanda Gonçalves Moya³

Affiliations

¹ Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Sena Madureira, n.° 1.500 - Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04021-001, Brazil.
² Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, United States.
³ Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 225, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, 05403-010, Brazil.

Abstract

Disseminated cryptococcosis, commonly linked to immunocompromised conditions like HIV infection, is exceedingly rare in immunocompetent individuals. This case report presents a rare case of disseminated cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent patient, who manifested with fever, weight loss, neurological manifestations, and distinct verrucous skin lesions. Mycological cultures and histopathological assessments were conducted, leading to the identification of Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii within both lung and skin biopsies. This case highlights the significance of considering this yeast infection within immunocompetent individuals and the necessity for promptly initiating appropriate antifungal therapy to enhance patient outcomes.

Keywords: Cryptococcus gattii; Disseminated cryptococcosis; Immunocompetent host; PET scan; Verrucous lesion.

Publication types

Case Reports