Cryptococcal Abscess in the Pubic Region and Central Nervous System of an Immunocompetent Patient

Abstract

<i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> usually causes an opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed patients. Immunocompetent patients may also develop the infection in the central nervous system or the lungs, but soft tissue infection is uncommon, and the development of a cryptococcal abscess in the pubic region is particularly rare. A 47-year-old male construction worker with headaches and fever visited the hospital due to a soft tissue mass in the pubic region with pus-like discharge. It was detected 6 months previously, and had gradually increased in size, tenderness, and erythema. The granulomatous lesion of the pubic area was excised <i>en bloc</i>, and primary closure was performed. Antifungal agents were used for the systemic infection. Histological examination identified the specimen as a fungal infection suspected to be cryptococcosis. During the 3-month follow-up period, there was no recurrence, infections in other areas, or major wound complications. This case is an example of a cryptococcal abscess with dissemination in the pubic region of an immunocompetent patient. There is no established cure for subcutaneous cryptococcal abscesses, but surgical excision, which can simultaneously achieve accurate diagnosis and treatment, is considered to be an effective treatment method.