Disseminated Cryptococcosis with Adrenal and Lung Involvement in an Immunocompetent Patient

• Main Authors: Piyush Ranjan, Manisha Jana, Shanmugam Krishnan, Devajit Nath, Rita Sood
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2015-04-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: adrenal cryptococcosis; adrenal tuberculosis; disseminated tuberculosis; empirical att; immunocompetent
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/5752/11499_CE(Ra1)_F(GH)_PF1(NJAK)_PFA(P)_PF2(PAG).pdf

Disseminated cryptococcosis usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. Occasionally, it affects immunocompetent persons and mimics tuberculosis in clinical presentation and radiological findings. Usually, it affects lungs and central nervous system. Rarely, it may affect adrenal glands. We present a case of 65-year-old gentleman with prolonged pyrexia. Computed Tomography (CT) scan of chest and abdomen showed miliary pattern in the chest with bilateral adrenal masses. On the basis of clinical and radiological findings, the case was initially diagnosed as disseminated tuberculosis and anti tubercular treatment was started. Subsequently, on histopathological examination, the diagnosis was confirmed as disseminated cryptococcosis. Even in a country with high prevalence of tuberculosis, other causes of miliary mottling should be considered and histopathological examination should be sought.