Disseminated cryptococcosis presenting as cutaneous cellulitis in an adolescent with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

We report here the case of a 17-year-old girl from Pelotas, Brazil, with systemic lupus erythematosus and disseminated cryptococcal infection. Prior to diagnosis, she was a chronic user of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs. Her first symptoms were skin lesions that simulated bacterial cellulitis. Upon suspicion, we performed a biopsy and fungal infection was confirmed. Appropriate therapy was established, and the patient was discharged after 42 days of treatment in complete remission.

Keywords

• Disseminated cryptococcosis
• cryptococcal cellulitis
• systemic lupus erythematosus