Disseminated Cryptococcosis in an Adult Patient, Department of Medicine, Hipólito Unanue Hospital of Tacna, 2024

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by the encapsulated yeast Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii, acquired from the environment. Avian droppings are the predominant environmental reservoir of C. neoformans, while C. gattii is associated with several tree species. Cutaneous cryptococcosis is a less common manifestation of infection caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, which is especially prevalent in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant  recipients. Skin lesions may present as papules, nodules, or ulcers, and are often located on the face, trunk, and upper limbs. In sorne cases, there may be spread to lesions and mucous membranes. We present the case of a 69-year-old male patient admitted to the Emergency Department and subsequently hospitalized. lnitially, he presented with bruising on the anterior aspect of the  left thigh with no history of trauma, evident local signs of inflammation, erythema, induration, hyperthermia, and tenderness. The patient subsequently ulcerated spontaneously. During his hospitalization, the patient initially presented with: abscessed cellulitis on the thigh of the left lower limb. Additional laboratory tests were performed, with admission diagnoses of cellulitis and ecthyma gangrenosum, with treatment and steady-state progression. A culture and biopsy of the lesion were subsequently obtained, with a diagnosis of disseminated cryptococcosis: soft tissue infection.