Large pulmonary cryptococcoma and cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Pulmonary cryptococcoma is a rare fungal infection, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
• Cryptococcosis, caused by *Cryptococcus* species, can lead to severe respiratory and neurological disease.

Observation:

• A large pulmonary cryptococcoma presented as a lung mass in the right upper lobe.
• The patient was a previously healthy, HIV-negative, immunocompetent young adult.
• The pulmonary cryptococcoma was associated with cryptococcal meningitis.

Findings:

• This case demonstrates that cryptococcomas can occur in immunocompetent individuals.
• The radiological presentation mimicked a lung malignancy, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
• The co-occurrence of pulmonary and central nervous system cryptococcosis was noted.

Implications:

• Pulmonary cryptococcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lung masses, even in immunocompetent patients.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial due to the potential for high mortality.
• Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis of cryptococcosis in immunocompetent hosts.