Cryptococcoma mimicking a brain tumor in an immunocompetent patient: A case and illustrative report

Abstract

Cryptococcosis usually presents in immunocompromised patients, especially HIV infection, Immunocompetent patients may occasionally present with cerebral cryptococomas, which may be difficult to distinguish from other lesions like primary tumors or metastasis. We present one case that represents this diagnosis challenge. The first orientation for the correct diagnosis was found in the lumbar puncture with inflammatory CSF, presence of yeasts and a positive culture for Crypptococcus gatti. Subsequently, a brain biopsy confirmed the nature of the lesion.Cryptococcosis should be considered in differential diagnosis of tumors in the central nervous system in immunocompetent patients. and opportune assessment impact in the early treatment and can modify the outcomes of these patients.

Keywords

• Cryptococcosis
• Brain neoplasms
• Immunocompetence
• Central nervous system
• Fungal infections