Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE
03:22

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE

Published on: March 1, 2024

1.3K

Pulmonary cryptococcosis that mimicked rheumatoid nodule in rheumatoid arthritis lesion

Dong Won Jang1, Ina Jeong1, Seon Jae Kim1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
|January 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary cryptococcosis can mimic rheumatoid nodules in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This case highlights a fungal infection occurring in the same lung location as a previously diagnosed pulmonary rheumatoid nodule (PRN).

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients exhibit an increasing incidence of pulmonary cryptococcosis.
  • Pulmonary rheumatoid nodules (PRN) are uncommon manifestations of RA.
  • Immunosuppressive therapies for RA can increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of pulmonary cryptococcosis mimicking a pulmonary rheumatoid nodule in an RA patient.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering fungal infections in RA patients with new or evolving pulmonary lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 65-year-old female rheumatoid arthritis patient.
  • Diagnostic procedures included video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery biopsy and CT-guided needle biopsy.
  • Laboratory tests: Cryptococcus antigen detection in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.

Main Results:

  • Initial diagnosis of PRN was made via VATS biopsy.
  • A subsequent large opacity with cavitation developed at the same site.
  • Pulmonary cryptococcosis was confirmed by CT-guided biopsy; Cryptococcus antigen was positive in serum.
  • Patient responded well to oral fluconazole treatment with radiological improvement.

Conclusions:

  • Pulmonary cryptococcosis can present identically to PRN in RA patients.
  • Distinguishing between PRN and pulmonary fungal infections is crucial for appropriate management.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary cryptococcosis are essential for favorable outcomes in RA patients.
Keywords:
Arthritis, RheumatoidCryptococcosisCryptococcusRheumatoid Nodule

More Related Videos

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease04:44

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Published on: June 16, 2020

21.2K

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
1.6K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
2.4K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
3.3K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
1.6K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet...
4
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
943