[Severe pulmonary and meningeal cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent Cambodian]

A chest x-ray showing a large tumor-like opacity in the left lower lobe and endoscopy visualizing a budding mass suggested a diagnosis of bronchial carcinoma in a 55-year old, tobacco-smoking Cambodian who consulted for hemoptysis and altered general status. Histological study of bronchial biopsies allowed differential diagnosis of cryptococcosis. Serologic tests for human immunodeficiency virus were negative and there was no other cause of immunodepression. Left lower lobectomy was performed at the German hospital of the APRONUC in Phnom Penh. Examination of the surgical specimen confirmed massive bronchopulmonary cryptococcosis. Two months after the procedure the patient was readmitted for neuromeningial cryptococcosis that responded well to fluconazole. Another relapse occurred 5 months later and was treated using the same drug. The patient is currently in remission. An increasingly common deep mycosis that is serious but curable with proper treatment, cryptococcosis deserves the full attention of physicians working in Cambodia where, as in other tropical zones, it is likely that this infection will progress with the incidence of AIDS. Symptoms can be misleading, suggesting neuromeningial or pulmonary tuberculosis. The value of India ink smear which should be performed in all patients presenting lymphocytic meningitis with hypoglycorrhachia must be emphasized. In the present case bronchoscopy was useful to distinguish from bronchopulmonary cancer.