Pulmonary cryptococcoma with CD4 lymphocytopenia and meningitis in an HIV-negative patient

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous yeast which is usually found in pigeon and chicken excreta. With the increased use of steroid and immunosuppressive agents and the increasing incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the incidence of cryptococcal disease seems to be increasing (1). Clinically, the most commonly recognized form of cryptococcal disease is chronic meningitis (2). In some post mortem studies, C. neofoYmans has presented in the lung and the central nervous system with equal frequency (3,4). The present case report describes a case of pulmonary cryptococcoma with CD4 lymphocytopenia and meningitis, but without HIV infection. Routine cytological examination of sputum and transcutaneous fine needle biopsy provide a judicious assessment to approach this disease. The clinicopathologic features, radiological findings and treatment are discussed.