Localised Cryptococcal Scalp Osteomyelitis in an Immunocompetent Man- A Rare Case

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is one of the commonly associated opportunistic fungal infection in patients with AIDS, caused mostly by Cryptococcus neoformans. Lung and the central nervous system are the most common sites affected. Osseous involvement occurs in 5-10% of patients with disseminated Cryptococcus. Although extremely rare, sometimes it can present as isolated cryptococcal osteomyelitis in HIV-negative patients. Here we present a case report of seventy two year old healthy male with isolated swelling of parietal bone on right side of scalp who is HIV negative with prior history of completely cured pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient was treated with fluconazole and repeated aspirations were performed. He was cured completely after three months of treatment. Even though isolated cryptococcal osteomyelitis of the parietal bone of scalp in HIV-negative is extremely rare, it should be considered in the relevant differential diagnosis of any localized swelling of scalp since it can be cured completely

Keywords

• antifungal
• cryptococcal
• immunocompetent
• osteomyelitis