Back to Search Start Over

Disseminated Cryptococcus over pancreas, lung, and brain: a case report

Authors :
Hsu-En Cheng
Hong-Zen Yeh
Chi-Shun Yang
Sheng-Shun Yang
Szu-Chia Liao
Source :
Journal of Medical Case Reports, Vol 18, Iss 1, Pp 1-7 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
BMC, 2024.

Abstract

Abstract Background Cryptococcus is an opportunistic infection acquired through inhalation from the environment, primarily affecting individuals with compromised immune systems. It typically leads to pneumonia upon passing through lung tissue. The infection can disseminate to various organs via the bloodstream, resulting in meningitis or encephalitis in the central nervous system. Disseminated Cryptococcus has been reported to involve the skin, liver, eyes, lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, kidneys, and intestines, significantly increasing morbidity and mortality. However, pancreatic involvement in Cryptococcus is relatively rare, and a few case reports have highlighted severe organ damage and high mortality rates. Case presentation In this case report, we present the case of a 36-year-old Asian man who presented with a 2-week history of headaches and blurred vision in his right eye. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple brain masses, along with a mass in the lower left lung field and a tumor in the pancreatic tail, as detected by chest computed tomography. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy and computed tomography-guided lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated cryptococcal infection involving the pancreas, lung, and brain. The patient’s clinical condition improved following antifungal therapy. Additionally, we identified anti-granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor antibody as a risk factor for disseminated cryptococcal infection in this patient. Conclusion Disseminated cryptococcosis can be a potentially lethal condition, as highlighted by previous literature. However, early diagnosis using contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsies, as well as prompt treatment as demonstrated in our case, can improve outcomes and prevent mortality.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17521947
Volume :
18
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Journal of Medical Case Reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.f191b30af46f422f91112d3f1ae9b095
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04836-1