Diagnosis of unsuspected pulmonary cryptococcosis with sputum cytology

This paper describes our experience in the sputum cytology diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis, the clinical diagnosis of which is usually difficult. The cytologic findings are described briefly along with other pertinent supportive data, and the importance of sputum cytology in the diagnosis of this clinically occult mycotic disease is emphasized. The cytologic examination of deep cough samples of sputum in cases with an appropriate clinical setting and pulmonary infiltrates not only can be a rewarding procedure but also can result in the institution of an appropriate line of treatment for the possible prevention of widespread dissemination.