Cryptococcosis mimicking lung carcinoma with brain metastases in an immunocompetent patient

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus spp. that enters the body via inhalation. This ubiquitous yeast has gained notoriety as an opportunistic pathogen in the immunosuppressed population. The authors report a case of a previously-well adult male presented with left-sided weakness. Imaging demonstrated a pulmonary mass and 2 contrast-enhancing intracranial lesions-all features suggestive of a primary lung carcinoma with brain metastases. However, further investigations confirmed disseminated cryptococcosis, without evidence of malignancy. The patient was successfully treated with a course of antifungals. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of dissemintated cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent adult male, simulating as primary lung carcinoma with brain metastases.

Keywords: Brain metastasis; Cryptococcus neoformans; Disseminated cryptococcosis.