IDCases (Jan 2023)

A case of cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent man with polysubstance use

  • Radhika Malhotra,
  • Zachary Lodato,
  • Patrick Brunk,
  • Anjella Manoharan,
  • Kaveh Hajifathalian,
  • Diana Finkel,
  • Smita Mahendrakar

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 33
p. e01851

Abstract

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Cryptococcus most commonly affects the pulmonary and central nervous systems in patients who are immunocompromised. It is most likely to present as meningitis. However, it can affect immunocompetent patients in the cerebral parenchyma. Here we describe a rare case of cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent male patient who originally presented with headache and possible seizure-like activity and had IV drug use as a risk factor. Cryptococcomas are a rare manifestation of the disease, and can present due to Cryptococcus gatti. Definite diagnosis is dependent on culture of the organism and treatment includes a long course of anti-fungals

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