Cryptococcal Osteomyelitis of the Left Acetabulum: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Skeletal Infections

Background:

• Cryptococcus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
• Infections typically manifest in the respiratory and central nervous systems.
• Skeletal infections, such as osteomyelitis, are rarely reported.

Observation:

• A case of cryptococcal osteomyelitis involving the left acetabulum is presented in a Chinese patient with chronic hepatitis B.
• The patient presented with left acetabulum pain, limited mobility, and fever.
• Imaging revealed osteolytic bone destruction, surrounding inflammation, and abscess formation.

Findings:

• An 11-month course of antifungal therapy resulted in clinical symptom improvement.
• The size of the acetabular lesion was observed to decrease.
• No recurrence of infection was noted after treatment.

Implications:

• Cryptococcal infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infectious osteolytic bone lesions, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• Pathological examination and fungal cultures are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• This case expands the understanding of Cryptococcus manifestations in skeletal sites.