[Laryngeal cryptococcosis revealing AIDS: a case report]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology
• Mycology

Background:

• Laryngeal infections are rare, with cryptococcal infections being particularly uncommon.
• Cryptococcus neoformans typically affects immunocompromised individuals, often presenting with pulmonary or central nervous system involvement.

Observation:

• A 65-year-old woman presented with chronic hoarseness due to a laryngeal vestibule infection.
• Direct laryngoscopy revealed an infected lesion, and histology confirmed Cryptococcus neoformans with characteristic capsules.
• The patient was also diagnosed with meningitis and pulmonary cryptococcosis.

Findings:

• HIV serology was positive, indicating an immunocompromised state as a significant risk factor.
• Treatment involved amphotericin B followed by 6 months of fluconazole.
• Complete recovery from the laryngeal infection was achieved.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering uncommon opportunistic infections like laryngeal cryptococcosis in HIV-positive patients with laryngeal symptoms.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for managing laryngeal cryptococcosis.
• Despite successful laryngeal treatment, the patient's underlying advanced HIV/AIDS led to a fatal outcome 11 months later, emphasizing the systemic nature of the disease.