Cutaneous cryptococcosis resembling keratoacanthoma.

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cutaneous cryptococcosis presents as varied skin lesions, complicating diagnosis.
• Systemic cryptococcal infections often involve the central nervous system.

Observation:

• A solitary facial nodule in an HIV-positive patient was initially misdiagnosed as keratoacanthoma.
• Diagnostic workup included histopathology, fungal culture, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with disseminated cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans genotype VNI.
• Central nervous system involvement was confirmed.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering disseminated cryptococcosis in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions.
• Prompt recognition and management are vital for patients with HIV and suspected cryptococcosis.