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Cryptococcal infection of the larynx: case report
N Mittal1, P Collignon, T Pham
1Capital Pathology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. drnmittal@gmail.com
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|April 12, 2013
Summary
Laryngeal cryptococcosis, a rare fungal infection, can affect the vocal folds. This case report details the diagnosis and successful treatment of Cryptococcus gattii vocal fold infection with oral fluconazole.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Laryngeal cryptococcosis is an uncommon opportunistic infection.
- Cryptococcus gattii is a fungal species that can cause severe disease.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old man presented with persistent hoarseness.
- Laryngoscopy revealed an irregular, red lesion on the right vocal fold.
- Histopathology confirmed Cryptococcus species.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with laryngeal cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus gattii.
- Treatment involved oral fluconazole 400 mg/day for eight weeks.
- The lesion mimicked a neoplastic growth.
Implications:
- Laryngeal cryptococcosis may arise from inhaled corticosteroid use and environmental exposure (e.g., eucalyptus trees).
- Clinical and imaging findings can resemble laryngeal neoplasms, necessitating histopathological confirmation.
- Management requires infectious disease consultation and antifungal therapy.
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