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Published on: September 4, 2017
MRI findings of intramedullary spinal cryptococcoma
Neslihan Zehra Gültaşli1, Karabekir Ercan, Sibel Orhun
1Departments of Radiology, Ministry of Health Ankara Atatürk Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. ngultasli@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast that most commonly infects the central nervous system. Meningitis and meningoencephalitis are the most common presentations of cryptococcosis. Cryptococcoma, however, is a rare entity characterized by localized, solid, tumor-like masses that are usually found in the cerebral hemispheres or cerebellum, but are extremely rare in the spinal cord. We report a case of an immunocompetent patient with intramedullary cryptococcoma in the spinal cord, which presented as a spinal tumor. Diagnosis was made by histological examination of the surgical specimen.
Insights
Cryptococcus neoformans can cause rare spinal cord tumors called cryptococcomas. This study details an intramedullary spinal cord cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient, diagnosed via surgical histology.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Mycology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans commonly affects the central nervous system, typically causing meningitis.
- Cryptococcomas are rare, localized tumor-like masses, predominantly found in the brain.
Observation:
- A case of an immunocompetent patient presenting with an intramedullary spinal cord mass is described.
- The patient's symptoms mimicked a spinal tumor.
Findings:
- Histological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the mass as an intramedullary cryptococcoma.
- This represents an extremely rare presentation of cryptococcosis in the spinal cord.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord tumors, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- This case expands the known spectrum of central nervous system cryptococcomas.
