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A 59-year-old immunocompetent male who initially presented with symptoms of stroke was found to have an incidental rim-enhancing lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. This discovery led to a lumbar puncture to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in the diagnosis of cryptococcoma. The patient was subsequently managed with liposomal amphotericin B, followed by consolidation and maintenance therapy with fluconazole. The patient achieved a positive outcome, demonstrating the effectiveness of early diagnosis and targeted treatment. The rarity of cryptococcoma in immunocompetent individuals makes this case particularly unusual and noteworthy. It underscores the need for more extensive research to enable prompt diagnosis and effective management.

Background: Cerebral cryptococcomas can mimic high grade gliomas on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Under the impression of cerebral malignancy, Gliolan can be administered to facilitate fluorescence guided surgical resection of the lesion. Intraoperative fluorescence has however, been confounded by a variety of non-glioma pathologies, including one report of fluorescence in a cryptococcoma. Case description: A 39 year-old immunocompetent male with no significant medical history, presented with two weeks of headache and left homonymous hemianopia. He was constitutionally well with no symptoms of infection. Brain MRI identified an irregular peripherally enhancing necrotic mass located at the right parieto-occipital region, with facilitated diffusion on diffusion weighted imaging. He proceeded to a craniotomy and resection of the lesion. Gliolan-induced fluorescence was visualised intraoperatively within and beyond the lesion. Histopathological analysis demonstrated Cryptococcus gattii infection despite imaging and intraoperative fluorescence being suggestive of a high-grade glial series tumour. Conclusion: This is the second report of Gliolan-induced fluorescence of a cerebral cryptococcoma, but the first to describe fluorescence beyond the lesion itself. It is important to be aware of this appearance and thus, the risk of neurological compromise due to extensive surgical resection.

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

Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. In over 90% of cases, it occurs at CD4 T lymphocyte (CD4) cell counts of less than 100 cells/mm 3 . Cryptococcomas are rare granulomatous lesions that can occur in disseminated central nervous system cryptococcal infection, primarily in immunocompetent hosts. Here we report a case of disseminated cryptococcal meningitis with numerous cryptococcomas mimicking metastases in a patient with HIV and a CD4 count of 115. The patient's serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cryptococcal antigen, CSF cryptococcal polymerase chain reaction, and serum and CSF cryptococcal cultures were all negative. Brain biopsy pathology confirmed the diagnosis. In this paper, we highlight the importance of early cerebral biopsy in the diagnosis and management of cryptococcoma., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Cryptococcus gattii is an underrecognized cause of meningitis, especially in nonendemic regions. This report details C gattii disease progression from admission to autopsy in an otherwise healthy 40-year-old male in Texas. It brings awareness to an often unsuspected organism that can cause severe infection requiring early recognition and treatment in immunocompetent individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 59-year-old immunocompetent male who initially presented with symptoms of stroke was found to have an incidental rim-enhancing lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. This discovery led to a lumbar puncture to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in the diagnosis of cryptococcoma. The patient was subsequently managed with liposomal amphotericin B, followed by consolidation and maintenance therapy with fluconazole. The patient achieved a positive outcome, demonstrating the effectiveness of early diagnosis and targeted treatment. The rarity of cryptococcoma in immunocompetent individuals makes this case particularly unusual and noteworthy. It underscores the need for more extensive research to enable prompt diagnosis and effective management., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.)

Background: Cryptococcal infections of the central nervous system are infrequent in immunocompetent hosts and usually present as meningitis. However, a fungal mass called a cryptococcoma may form, requiring caution in therapeutic intervention. Here, we report a rare case in which treatment of intraventricular cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient was facilitated by rapid pathological diagnosis., Case Description: A 58-year-old previously healthy man was admitted to our hospital with fever, headache, and gradually worsening hearing loss over 1 month. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed moderately elevated levels of protein and lymphocytic cells and decreased glucose. In addition, β2-microglobulin was highly elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging showed homogeneously enhanced lesions in lateral ventricles of the left and right hemispheres and the subarachnoid space, and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography revealed abnormal uptake corresponding to the lesion. A surgical excision was performed to achieve a definitive diagnosis. Intraoperative rapid pathology, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), yielded negative results for malignant tumor, suggesting the possibility of inflammatory granuloma. Additional targeted pathological diagnosis was immediately performed. Paraffin-embedded histopathological examination showed fibrocaseous granuloma and numerous fungal spores. Cryptococcus neoformans within the granuloma were suggested by Fontana-Masson and Grocott staining and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), leading to a diagnosis of cryptococcoma. Antifungal agents were started 3 days postoperatively. The patient has since been doing well, with no recurrence., Conclusion: This pathology can be difficult to distinguish from a brain tumor, so early pathological diagnosis, including rapid pathology with IHC and PCR, may be crucial., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Surgical Neurology International.)

Background: Colonization of Cryptococcus rarely occurs in a graft. This study reports a case of malacoplakia and cryptococcoma caused by E. coli and Cryptococcus albidus in a transplanted kidney, with detailed pathology and metagenome sequencing analysis.Case Presentation: We presented a case of cryptococcoma and malacoplakia in the genitourinary system including the transplant kidney, bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles caused by Cryptococcus albidus and Escherichia coli in a renal-transplant recipient. Metagenome sequencing was conducted on a series of samples obtained from the patient at three different time points, which we termed Phase I (at the diagnosis of cryptococcoma), Phase II (during perioperative period of graftectomy, 3 months after the diagnosis), and Phase III (2 months after graftectomy). Sequencing study in the Phase I detected two and four sequences of C. albidus respectively in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and feces, with resistant Escherichia coli 09-02E presented in urine and renal mass. A 3-month antibiotic treatment yielded a smaller bladder lesion but an enlarged allograft lesion, leading to a nephrectomy. In the Phase II, two sequences of C. albidus were detected in CSF, while the E. coli 09-02E continued as before. In the Phase III, the lesions were generally reduced, with one C. albidus sequence in feces only.Conclusions: The existence and clearance of Cryptococcus sequences in CSF without central nervous system symptoms may be related to the distribution of infection foci in vivo, the microbial load, and the body's immunity. Overall, this study highlights the need for enhanced vigilance against uncommon types of Cryptococcus infections in immunocompromised populations and increased concern about the potential correlation between E. coli and Cryptococcus infections.

Opportunistic infections affecting central nervous system (CNS) have high prevalence in developing countries and cryptococcosis is one of them. It is associated with myriad of signs symptoms and clinical behavior. Though commonly associated with AIDS/HIV infection, it has been reported to be pathogenic in immunocompetent patients. Leptomeningitis is most common presentation in CNS, but unusual tumor like mass lesions have been reported. Lungs are primary site of infection, but it can affect different organs with varied clinical presentations. Therefore, correct diagnosis and proper management is essential in such cases excluding the differentials as fatality rate can be quite high. We report such an unusual case of multiple cryptococcal mass lesions in brain in a healthy immune competent individual with bilateral pulmonary involvement.

Rationale: Cryptococcal infections commonly occur in immunosuppressed patients and are uncommon in immunocompetent persons. Patient concerns: A 32 year old lady, active smoker presented with right chest pain, dry cough and loss of weight. Initial chest radiograph showed a lobulated lung mass in the right lower lobe. She developed headache and right cranial nerve palsy during admission. Various investigations were done including lumbar puncture, brain and chest imaging. Diagnosis: Cryptococcal meningitis with pulmonary cryptococcoma. Interventions: She received five months of effective antifungal treatment; however, the patient did not respond well. Subsequently, removal of pulmonary cryptococcoma was done. Outcomes: Her condition improved and she no longer had any headache. Lessons: Disseminated cryptococcosis is rare in immunocompetent patient. Our case highlights the importance of high index of suspicion and we postulate that lobectomy helped in reducing the cryptococcal burden in her body, thus facilitating better response to antifungal therapy.

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection predominantly seen among immunosuppressed patients causing meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Rarely, cryptococcosis can affect immunologically competent hosts with the formation of localized CNS granulomatous reaction, known as cryptococcoma. Common symptoms of CNS cryptococcoma are headaches, consciousness or mental changes, focal deficits, and cranial nerve dysfunction. Rarely, seizures are the only presenting symptom. Case Description: We report the case of an immunocompetent patient with a solitary CNS cryptococcoma presenting with a long history of non-responsive generalized seizure who has been successfully operated. Conclusion: CNS cryptococcoma is a rare entity, and in immunocompetent patients, its diagnosis can be challenging. The pathophysiology of lesion-related seizure is discussed along with a review of the pertinent literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain lesions caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or C. gattii (cryptococcomas) are typically difficult to diagnose correctly and treat effectively, but rapid differential diagnosis and treatment initiation are crucial for good outcomes. In previous studies, cultured cryptococcal isolates and ex vivo lesion material contained high concentrations of the virulence factor and fungal metabolite trehalose. Here, we studied the in vivo metabolic profile of cryptococcomas in the brain using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and assessed the relationship between trehalose concentration, fungal burden, and treatment response in order to validate its suitability as marker for early and noninvasive diagnosis and its potential to monitor treatment in vivo. We investigated the metabolites present in early and late stage cryptococcomas using in vivo 1H MRS in a murine model and evaluated changes in trehalose concentrations induced by disease progression and antifungal treatment. Animal data were compared to 1H and 13C MR spectra of Cryptococcus cultures and in vivo data from 2 patients with cryptococcomas in the brain. In vivo MRS allowed the noninvasive detection of high concentrations of trehalose in cryptococcomas and showed a comparable metabolic profile of cryptococcomas in the murine model and human cases. Trehalose concentrations correlated strongly with the fungal burden. Treatment studies in cultures and animal models showed that trehalose concentrations decrease following exposure to effective antifungal therapy. Although further cases need to be studied for clinical validation, this translational study indicates that the noninvasive MRS-based detection of trehalose is a promising marker for diagnosis and therapeutic follow-up of cryptococcomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss a rare instance of cryptococcoma caused by Cryptococcus gattii in a 55-year-old woman initially treated for suspected COVID bronchopneumonia. The diagnosis posed a challenge due to vague symptoms and unclear imaging findings suggesting malignancy. Postoperative samples confirmed the presence of Cryptococcus gattii through culture of brain tissue and blood. Appropriate therapy was initiated, but despite treatment, it led to a fatal outcome. The case emphasizes the crucial role of microbiologist in early diagnosis of fungal infections of Central Nervous System. Additionally, the delayed diagnosis in immunocompetent individuals highlights the critical need for early recognition and intervention to mitigate potentially fatal outcomes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recommendations for managing patients with cerebral cryptococcomas are scarce across multiple clinical guidelines. Due to the deficiency of high-quality data coupled with an increasing number of at-risk patients, the purpose of this review is to describe the demographic characteristics, causative pathogen, intracranial imaging, surgical and/or pharmacological interventions, as well as outcomes of patients with cerebral cryptococcomas to improve recognition and management. Methods: We conducted a scoping review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines using PubMed and Web of Science. Reports were included if the following details were presented: (1) site of infection; (2) treatment details which at least include the specific antifungal therapy administered, if applicable; and (3) patient outcome. Results: A total of 40 records representing 47 individual patients were included, of which the median age was 48.5 years, 75% were male, and 60% reported a significant past medical, surgical, or social history. C. neoformans was isolated more often than C. gattii (74% vs. 26%, respectively). Patients most often presented with headache, altered mental status and/or confusion, and vomiting occurring over a median of 30 days; though few were noted to have significant findings on physical examination. More than 50% of patients had a single cerebral cryptococcoma lesion, whereas perilesional edema was present in 73% of cases. Surgical intervention occurred in 49% of patients. An amphotericin B-based formulation was administered as “induction” therapy to 91% of patients, but combined with flucytosine or fluconazole in only 58%, for an overall median of 42 days. Fifty two percent of patients received “maintenance” therapy for a median of 126 days, in which fluconazole was most often used. Corticosteroids were administered to approximately 30% of patients for a median of 31.5 days. Overall, mortality was 34%. Conclusion: Based on our findings, management should include antifungal therapy for a minimum of 6 months with considerations for concomitant corticosteroids in the setting of perilesional edema, as well as surgical intervention. Emphasis should be placed on providing well-documented treatment details in future case reports and series to allow for the development of more concise evidence-based recommendations.

Abstract Background Cryptococcosis is an important opportunistic infection of organ transplant recipients. It is the third most common fungal infection of transplant patients and occurs especially in kidney recipients. Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous fungus which infects humans by inhalation of spores. C. gattii has more recently been recognised as a pathogen. Infection commonly is disseminated affecting mainly the central nervous system and the lungs. Cryptococcoma, a localised form of the disease, has been described in various organs. We present a unique case of a cryptococcoma in a transplanted kidney. The lesion was not seen on ultrasound or uncontrasted computerised tomography but was detected by FDG-PET/CT. Case presentation A 30 year old woman received a deceased donor kidney transplant in 2005. Due to chronic allograft nephropathy in 2014, cyclosporine and azathioprine immunosuppression was changed to tacrolimus and mycophenolate. After rapid deterioration of renal function in 2015 due to suspected non-adherence to immunosuppressants, steroid pulses were administered. The patient developed severe recurrent bacterial urinary tract infections and demonstrated several features of severe immunosuppression. She was treated for cytomegalovirus infection and BK virus was demonstrated in the urine. In addition, Kaposi sarcoma of the stomach was diagnosed on endoscopic biopsy. A metabolically-active lesion of the kidney transplant was imaged on FDG-PET/CT scan. Biopsy of the lesion demonstrated infection with cryptococcus. Escherichia coli with the same antibiotic sensitivity spectrum as that in the urine was cultured from the biopsy. Cryptococcus was not cultured from urine at that time or from several subsequent specimens. The lesion was not detected by conventional imaging. The patient manifested no other evidence of cryptococcosis. The lesion responded poorly to treatment with fluconazole. Conclusions This is probably the first report of a case of a cryptococcoma in a transplanted organ. FDG-PET/CT scan, which is dependent on cellular metabolism, proved useful in visualising the lesion. Clinicians should be aware of this rare presentation of cryptococcosis in organ transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES To describe the physical examination, diagnostic imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) findings of a dog with an intramedullary spinal cryptococcoma. CASE REPORT A 3-year-old, entire male, Rhodesian ridgeback presented to a referral hospital for evaluation of a 5-week history of pelvic limb incoordination. Physical examination revealed a moderate pelvic limb ataxia with long-wide strides, a short-strided choppy thoracic limb gait and resentment of dorsal extension of the neck. All limbs were hypertonic. Neuroanatomic localisation was consistent with a C1-C5 myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large intramedullary lesion extending for the entire length of the adjacent vertebral body of C3 (approximately 5.4 cm long) with the following characteristics: T2-weighted hyperintense, T1-weighted hypointense, mild contrast enhancement and meningeal enhancement. Cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed a marked mixed, predominantly eosinophilic and neutrophilic pleocytosis, with several deeply basophilic circular but speculated structures, 7-10 μm in diameter, often surrounded by a clear and indistinctly outlined capsule. RT-PCR analysis of the cisternal CSF sample confirmed the presence of cryptococcal DNA with a cycle threshold (CT) value of 34.94. Based on advanced imaging and laboratory findings, the diagnosis was intramedullary spinal cryptococcoma. Euthanasia was performed with necropsy examination declined. CONCLUSION To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of an intramedullary spinal cryptococcoma lesion in a dog, diagnosed by MRI, CSF cytology and RT-PCR assay, in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of cryptococcosis as one of the most common fungal infections of the central nervous system, stressing the consideration of a cryptococcoma within the list of differential diagnosis of intraventricular masses in immunocompetent hosts. Case Description: We present the case of an immunocompetent 41-year-old female from Philippines with an intraventricular cryptococcoma due to Cryptococcus neoformans, mimicking an intraventricular primary brain tumor, who had hydrocephalus. She was approached as having a neoplastic lesion and underwent surgical resection plus third ventriculostomy through endoscopy. Later in her evolution, we realized the infectious nature of the lesion, and antifungal systemic therapy was initiated. In the end, she needed the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to maintain a good neurologic status. Despite all our efforts, she had a fatal outcome due to various complications. Conclusion: Our case is the first intraventricular cryptococcoma due to C. neoformans, as far as we know, to be reported in English, German, or Spanish literature. Our report stresses the importance to consider this kind of infection in immunocompetent patients, to raise the level of suspicion of this diagnosis, and to know the complications and management options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the pathologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical findings associated with pulmonary and encephalitic cryptococcosis in a 3-y-old, mixed-breed, nanny goat from central-west Brazil. The goat had progressive neurologic signs over 30 d; cryptococcosis was diagnosed antemortem by cytologic evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment was initiated, but the animal died spontaneously shortly thereafter. Grossly, there was a large space-occupying gelatinous mass (cryptococcoma) in the left lung and smaller masses in the cerebral temporal and frontal cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, basal nuclei, and mesencephalon with consequent internal hydrocephalus. Histologic evaluation revealed marked granulomatous cryptococcal pneumonia and meningoencephalitis. Intralesional narrow-necked budding cryptococcal yeasts were identified on special stains (Mayer mucicarmine and Grocott methenamine silver) in sections of lung and brain. Immunohistochemistry utilizing a panel of monoclonal antibodies that selectively label capsules of Cryptococcus spp. was consistent with C. neoformans var. grubii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to unusual paradoxical and unmasking presentations of opportunistic infections. Intra-abdominal cryptococcosis is a rare manifestation of Cryptococcus. We present the case of an HIV-infected patient on ART, with a history of cryptococcal meningitis who presented with subacute, worsening abdominal pain during immune recovery. This evolved into chronic abdominal pain, with thickened bowel, and abdominal lymphadenopathy, while receiving empiric tuberculosis treatment. At 6-months, he developed intestinal perforation due to a histologically confirmed cryptococcoma.

Background Fungal mass lesions in the central nervous system are, as a group, extremely rare. In this group cryptococcomas are the most common mass lesions seen. These cryptococcomas/mucinous pseudocysts are commonly only 3–10 mm in diameter and occur almost exclusively in the basal ganglia through contiguous spread from a basal meningitis through the Virchow-Robbin perivascular spaces. In rare cases a chronic granulomatous process may lead to formation of mass lesions that have a tumoral appearance. Case Description A 19-year-old male presented to our Neurosurgical Unit with a 5-month history of progressive morning headaches. He also complained of progressive weakness of his R upper limb of 3 months' duration. The patient was found to be human immunodeficiency virus negative with a CD4 count of 1763. The patient had no other medical problems. Examination revealed a monoplegia of his R upper limb. While being optimized for surgery, the patient demonstrated progression of his upper limb monoplegia despite preoperative steroid therapy aimed at decreasing the perilesional vasogenic edema. He was booked for emergency resection of 2 lobar mass lesions. Histopathology analysis revealed the 2 specimens had similar features. These specimens were representative of gliotic brain parenchyma involved by extensive cryptococcosis. Conclusions Diagnosing the tumoral form of cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients is a challenge. Primary and secondary brain tumors are usually the first hypotheses in these cases. Thorough preoperative investigation through cerebrospinal fluid sampling and detailed magnetic resonance imaging may lead to consideration of this diagnosis before the histopathologic analysis has been conducted. Highlights • We reported on multicentric cryptococcomas mimicking neoplasia in an immunocompetent patient. • Two lobar cryptococcal mass lesions mimicked neoplasia. • One lesion was dural based, and the other lesion was subcortical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Phosphate acquisition by fungi is regulated by the phosphate-sensing and acquisition (PHO) signaling pathway. Cryptococcus neoformans disseminates from the lung to the brain and is the commonest cause of fungal meningitis worldwide. To investigate the contribution of PHO signaling to cryptococcal dissemination, we characterized a transcription factor knockout strain (hlh3Δ/pho4Δ) defective in phosphate acquisition. Despite little similarity with other fungal Pho4 proteins, Hlh3/Pho4 functioned like a typical phosphate-responsive transcription factor in phosphate-deprived cryptococci, accumulating in nuclei and triggering expression of genes involved in phosphate acquisition. The pho4Δ mutant strain was susceptible to a number of stresses, the effect of which, except for alkaline pH, was alleviated by phosphate supplementation. Even in the presence of phosphate, the PHO pathway was activated in wild-type cryptococci at or above physiological pH, and under these conditions, the pho4Δ mutant had a growth defect and compromised phosphate uptake. The pho4Δ mutant was hypovirulent in a mouse inhalation model, where dissemination to the brain was reduced dramatically, and markedly hypovirulent in an intravenous dissemination model. The pho4Δ mutant was not detected in blood, nor did it proliferate significantly when cultured with peripheral blood monocytes. In conclusion, dissemination of infection and the pathogenesis of meningitis are dependent on cryptococcal phosphate uptake and stress tolerance at alkaline pH, both of which are Pho4 dependent. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcal meningitis is fatal without treatment and responsible for more than 500,000 deaths annually. To be a successful pathogen, C. neoformans must obtain an adequate supply of essential nutrients, including phosphate, from various host niches. Phosphate acquisition in fungi is regulated by the PHO signaling cascade, which is activated when intracellular phosphate decreases below a critical level. Induction of phosphate acquisition genes leads to the uptake of free phosphate via transporters. By blocking the PHO pathway using a Pho4 transcription factor mutant (pho4Δ mutant), we demonstrate the importance of the pathway for cryptococcal dissemination and the establishment of brain infection in murine models. Specifically, we show that reduced dissemination of the pho4Δ mutant to the brain is due to an alkaline pH tolerance defect, as alkaline pH mimics the conditions of phosphate deprivation. The end result is inhibited proliferation in host tissues, particularly in blood. Podcast: A podcast concerning this article is available.

Mortality due to AIDS-related Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is often >50% in low-middle income countries. Dissemination of CM can result in intracranial mass lesions known as cryptococcoma. Patients who develop cryptococcomas often have worse outcomes when compared to patients with cryptococcosis without cryptococcoma. We describe a cryptococcoma in the central nervous system (CNS) in a Ugandan patient with AIDS, and review the diagnosis and management with special focus on difficulties encountered in low or middle-income countries.

Cryptococcus gattii is a fungal pathogen endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. Isolated cases and outbreaks have been reported in areas of North America and Europe, expanding the distribution pattern beyond warmer regions. We describe a case of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt infection by C. gattii in an immunocompetent person in Illinois.

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a potential ly fatal disease. We report successful treatment with the Ommaya reservoir and intrathecal injection of amphotericin B for the control of refractory cerebral cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus gattii AFLP4/VGI. A 63-year-old male patient presented with a 2-week history of fever and headache, and was he dia gnosed with CM. Combined amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine treatment was initiated and fol lowed by fluconazole therapy. After 7 months, he was refractory to traditional CM treatment and received salvage therapy with an Ommaya reservoir and intrathecal injection of amphotericin B. His neurological symptoms recovered gradually with no evidence of relapse during 12-month fol low-up. The isolate was re-identified by culturing in canavanine-glycine-bromothymol Blue media and by molecular typing us ing URA5 as Cryptococcus gattii AFLP4/VGI. The Ommaya reservoir could serve as an alternative treatment for Cryptococcus gattii AFLP4/VGI-induced CM, which responds poorly to standard regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryptococcosis is the most common mycosis of the central nervous system. It may develop in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, the latter representing most cases. The most common presentation of the disease is meningitis, whereas intra-axial lesions in the form of cryptococcoma are less frequent with a greater tendency to present in immunocompetent patients. The presentation of pituitary cryptococcoma is exceptional. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is only one case published in the medical literature., Observations: The authors present the case of a 30-year-old male without a relevant medical history. He was referred to our center with a pituitary mass on magnetic resonance imaging and panhypopituitarism. The patient underwent endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal tumor resection, and a histopathological diagnosis of pituitary cryptococcoma was made. Medical management included fluconazole and intravenous amphotericin., Lessons: This case underscores the neurosurgical and medical management of an exceptional clinical presentation of pituitary cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is only one case published in the medical literature. This case provides an invaluable review of the clinical, imaging, and therapeutic considerations regarding this exceptional clinical entity.

Purpose Cryptococcosis is a devastating opportunistic disease commonly encountered in organ transplant recipients and patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Few studies have profiled the disease in immunocompetent patients. We sought to characterize the neuroimaging findings of cryptococcal meningitis among immunocompetent patients in China. Materials and methods Retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis at our institute, on the basis of CSF culture or India Ink test, between November 2011 and February 2016, was performed. Only apparently immunocompetent patients, for whom at least one brain MRI examination was performed, were included in the analysis. The MRI results were available for all these patients before CSF diagnosis. Data related to variables such as patient demographics, clinical features, neuroimaging characteristics and CSF findings were analyzed. Results Eighteen apparently immunocompetent patients, for whom brain MRI radiographs were available, were included in the analysis. Abnormal MRI findings were observed in 16 patients. These included multiple intraparenchymal lesions with or without enhancement, prominent basal ganglia involvement, miliary distribution of parenchymal nodules, multiple dilated Virchow-Robin spaces and leptomeningeal enhancement. Six patients had ventriculomegaly. Conclusion In our study, intraparenchymal findings were more common than leptomeningeal enhancement and perivascular lesions. Cryptococcal meningitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immunocompetent patients with brain MRI findings of prominent parenchymal involvement such as bilateral patchy lesions in basal ganglia or miliary distribution of parenchymal nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to unusual paradoxical and unmasking presentations of opportunistic infections. Intra-abdominal cryptococcosis is a rare manifestation of Cryptococcus . We present the case of an HIV-infected patient on ART, with a history of cryptococcal meningitis who presented with subacute, worsening abdominal pain during immune recovery. This evolved into chronic abdominal pain, with thickened bowel, and abdominal lymphadenopathy, while receiving empiric tuberculosis treatment. At 6-months, he developed intestinal perforation due to a histologically confirmed cryptococcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortality due to AIDS-related Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is often >50% in low-middle income countries. Dissemination of CM can result in intracranial mass lesions known as cryptococcoma. Patients who develop cryptococcomas often have worse outcomes when compared to patients with cryptococcosis without cryptococcoma. We describe a cryptococcoma in the central nervous system (CNS) in a Ugandan patient with AIDS, and review the diagnosis and management with special focus on difficulties encountered in low or middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To review the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentations of canine cryptococcosis that are of relevance to veterinary emergency and critical care veterinarians. Diagnosis, treatment, and public health considerations of the disease will also be discussed. Etiology Cryptococcosis is a multisystemic disease of dogs, with a predilection for the CNS, caused by encapsulated yeast species of the genus Cryptococcus. The 2 main pathogenic species are Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii (previously known as C. neoformans var. gattii). Cryptococcosis is an emerging disease in North America, with C. gattii gaining prominence as a cause of serious veterinary and human disease. Diagnosis Definitive diagnosis is made by serologic (antigen) testing, culture, and identification of the organism using light microscopy. False negatives and false positives, while uncommon, can occur in dogs using commercially available antigen tests. Cytological examination demonstrates the organism in a majority of cases, although culture is more sensitive. Specific media are required to differentiate between C. neoformans and C. gattii. Therapy The most commonly used antifungal drugs to treat canine cryptococcosis are azole antifungals and amphotericin B. Some strains of Cryptococcus are resistant to antifungal drugs, especially fluconazole. Cautious use of glucocorticoids in critically affected dogs with CNS presentations can improve outcome. Prognosis Prognosis is variable and depends on the severity of disease, underlying host immunocompetence, and financial constraints of the owner. Altered mental status in dogs with CNS cryptococcosis is a negative prognostic indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebellar cryptococcoma is a rare clinical condition and is seldom considered as a differential diagnosis for cerebellar masses. Here, we present a case of cerebellar cryptococcoma mimicking abscess in an immunocompetent patient and summarize recent related studies in brief. The incidence of cerebellar cryptococcoma in immunocompetent patients has increased to up to 5 cases reported since 2007, but no case was reported before. A 68-year-old nonimmunocompromised woman complained of progressive occipital headache, vomiting, fatigue, and slight dizziness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an irregular lobulated thick-walled cystic lesion present within the cerebellum. The patient underwent a right suboccipital craniotomy for gross total resection of the lesion. The cryptococcoma was diagnosed subsequently by pathologic examination. A full course of antifungal treatment was administrated and the patient had full recovery with no lesion recurrence. Although it is a rare clinical condition in immunocompetent patients, cerebellar cryptococcoma needs to be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the cerebellum. Practically, microsurgical excision not only solves the mass-occupying effect, but also obtains histologic examination for confirmatory diagnosis. Microsurgical excision-combined antifungal treatment led to a good result in the present case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptococcal infection of the central nervous system (CNS) typically affects patients with HIV infection. In addition, opportunistic infections can also occur during immunosuppressive therapies. Some patients develop cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcomas, however, are rarely observed. A 42-year-old patient with sarcoidosis known for 2½ years presented with a cerebral mass lesion primarily thought to be CNS sarcoidosis. Stereotactic biopsy and extensive micro- and macrobiological investigations revealed a cryptococcoma which had emerged from cryptococcal meningitis despite 3 months of treatment. Differential diagnosis of cerebral cryptococcoma is difficult due to the unspecific findings in the CSF analysis if C. neoformans fails to be detected using Indian ink staining or PCR studies. In this case, stereotactic biopsy and pathohistological examination revealed C. neoformans causing intracerebral mass lesion. Intensive treatment with antifungal drugs was followed by remission of all symptoms. In conclusion, cryptococcoma of the CNS represents a very important indication of mass lesions in patients suffering from sarcoidosis and treated with corticosteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A human immunodeficiency virus-negative 63-year-old male with autoimmune hemolytic anemia presented with decreased vision, photophobia and hearing loss. After initial testing seemed consistent with sarcoidosis, he was found to have disseminated Cryptococcus with a cryptococcoma of the left eye. Treatment with systemic anti-fungal therapy improved the patient's condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A domestic ferret ( Mustela putorius furo) was presented with lymphadenopathy and acute bilateral blindness. Cytologic evaluation and biopsy of an affected lymph node revealed pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis with intralesional yeast consistent with Cryptococcus sp. Subsequent studies demonstrated Cryptococcus gattii serotype B VGI/AFLP4 as the causative agent. The ferret was treated with fluconazole and prednisone. After one month of therapy, an improvement of the clinical symptoms was detected although blindness persisted. Seven months after presentation, the disease progressed to a severe neurologic condition, and it was euthanized. Postmortem exam revealed disseminated cryptococcosis with prominent neurologic involvement. Nasal swabs of other ferrets and humans from the same household revealed that two ferrets and two humans to be asymptomatic carriers of the same strain of cryptococcus as the necropsied ferret. These findings stress the importance of veterinary diagnostic work with pets and epidemiological investigations for disease prevention in them and in their owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An otherwise healthy 65-year-old male from a rural area presented with a 1-month old non-tender scalp mass. He had a history of being stuck with a stone in the parietal region a year earlier but hadn't developed any complications. Needle aspiration of the mass revealed numerous yeast cells, which were confirmed to be Cryptoccus neoformans. This case describes a rare presentation of C. neoformans infection in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative patient. Moreover, while osteomyelitis due to Cryptococcus is generally preceded by fungemia, in the present case it was caused by direct inoculation of the etiologic agent. We review 11 similar cases published since 1983 in which most of the patients developed an insidious mass in their scalps with osteolytic lesions as seen on X-ray and all were HIV-negative. Nine of the eleven patients in these cases had good recovery after surgical debridement and treatment with amphotericin B, flucytocise and/or fluconazole. The remaining two patients died during hospitalization. Cryptococcal osteomyelitis should be part of a differential diagnosis when confronted with an insidious growing mass or abscess of unclear origin in the scalp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptococcus gattii is an emerging fungal pathogen in the Pacific Northwest of North America, where it has caused more than 50 human infections since its emergence in 2004. Among residents of British Columbia, where the disease emerged in 1999 on Vancouver Island, many infections have occurred in immunocompetent persons. The cause for the emergence is currently unknown. The pathogenic profile of Cryptococcus gattii in North American patients appears to be different from that seen previously for C. gattii and from the profile of infection among patients with Cryptococcus neoformans. Treatment duration and the need for patient follow-up may be different between patients infected with C. gattii and C. neoformans. For this reason, physicians treating atypical patients with Cryptococcal spp infection, particularly HIV-uninfected patients, should obtain a travel history and obtain a species identity for Cryptococcus isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening fungal infection of the central nervous system (CNS). Its management is characterized by the administration of initial combination antifungal therapy by following the principles of induction, consolidation, and maintenance therapy with aggressive management of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). These tenets apply to patients with and without AIDS. Recent prospective trials on combination antifungal therapy, and the timing of the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), suggest amphotericin B plus flucytosine and initiation of HAART are optimal therapy for management of patients with AIDS and cryptococcal meningitis. The paucity of prospective data on the management of cryptococcal meningitis in patients without AIDS is the most challenging aspect of formulating treatment guidelines, but the principles of induction, consolidation, and maintenance still apply. Combination antifungal therapy with a lipid formulation of amphotericin B plus flucytosine is generally indicated for this group, especially for those with a predisposition to renal dysfunction. Future research targeting this population may further inform recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptococcal infection in CNS is frequently seen in HIV patients and those with other immunosuppressed conditions. However, cryptococcal granuloma in CNS in immunocompetent patient is rare. We present one new case of cryptococcoma and review literature to illustrate diagnosis and treatment of these lesions. We conducted literature search in Pubmed search engine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Seventeen cases of CNS cryptoccoma in immunocompetent patients, including ours, have been reported to date. Of them, two patients had lesions inside spinal cord, and C. neoformans var. gattii was identified in three cases. All patients were symptomatic with normal immunocompetency although two patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus and one had torsades de pointes. Eight patients received surgical treatment and all were given antifungal agents except one suspected of teniasis. With literature reports and our experiences, we suggest that ring shaped enhancement of mass lesion with or without cystic changes in MR scan may indicate cryptococcoma, but definitive diagnosis relies on pathology study of lesion specimen. Open surgery and anti-fungal therapy should be scheduled, and outcome of cryptococcoma is largely determined by its locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]