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Cryptococcus gattii: A Poseur to Behold!
Sabha Ahmed1, Jitender Saini1, M Netravathi2
1Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, IND.
Abstract:
Cryptococcosis is an invasive systemic mycosis caused by Cryptococcus, a genus of yeast. Causative organisms for human cryptococcosis include Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Disease due to C.neoformans is conventionally seen in patients with underlying immunosuppression, whereas C.gattii-related infection is usually seen in immunocompetent people. The fact that the infection can occur among otherwise healthy individuals underscores the importance of having a necessary understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical and radiological presentations of the disease. We report a case of disseminated pulmonary and central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis in an apparently immunocompetent individual with unusual radiological findings necessitating probing for alternative diagnoses. We have attempted to supplement and revise the existing data on the radiological manifestations of C.gattii.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare disseminated pulmonary and central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus gattii in an immunocompetent individual. It emphasizes the need for understanding cryptococcosis presentations, even in healthy patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection caused by the yeast genus Cryptococcus.
- While Cryptococcus neoformans infections typically affect immunocompromised individuals, Cryptococcus gattii infections can occur in immunocompetent hosts.
- Understanding the diverse clinical and radiological presentations of cryptococcosis is crucial, especially in seemingly healthy individuals.
