A Case of Pulmonary Cryptococcosis diagnosed by Transbronchial Lung Biopsy

Kim, Jung Han; Jang, Hyun Joo; Kim, Sung Jin; Kim, Cheol Hong; Kim, Dong Gyu; Mo, Eun Kyung; Park, Myoung Jae; Lee, Myung Gu; Hyun, In Gyu; Jung, Ki Suck

Abstract

Cryptococcosis has been considered as an opportunistic mycosis associated with depressed immune function of the host. However, it may develop in healthy individuals without any underlying disease. Recently, we experienced a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in healthy person. The patient had experienced hemoptysis and dry cough persisted for a month. The chest X-ray and CT showed multifocal pneumonic consolidation containing small cavities in RLL, LUL and LLL. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy didn't revealed endobronchial lesion in both lungs. Transbronchial lung biopsy(TBLB) was done, and we could diagnose pulmonary cryptococcosis by means of histopathologic examination. Clinical evaluations did not reveal immune deficiency or evidence of other specific disease. The patient was treated with fluconazole and resulted in clinical and radiological improvement. Cryptococcosis has well known for its meningeal involvement. Although primary pulmonary cryptococcosis is rare, we must think of it when meet mass or nodular lesion on the chest radiology.