Septic arthritis due to Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcal arthritis is rare. We report two cases, one of infection of the hip joint in a 56-year-old woman, the other of arthritis of the elbows and knees in a 4-year-old boy. Both patients were treated successfully with a combination of surgical drainage and antifungal therapy. The 15 previously published cases are reviewed. Immunodeficiency is noted in most reported cases commonly associated with the use of corticosteroids. The joint most often involved is the knee. Amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine have been used with success for treating this conditions. Ketoconoazole may have a role in the therapy of cryptococcal arthritis although information on the use of this agent is sparse.