Disseminated Cryptococcal Infection in Treatment-Naive Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Abstract

This case report highlights a rare occurrence of disseminated cryptococcal infection in an elderly male with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite lacking prior treatment for CLL, the patient presented with respiratory symptoms and was found to have Cryptococcus neoformans in blood cultures. Prompt initiation of antifungal therapy was crucial, although central nervous system involvement was absent. The case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in CLL patients, emphasizing the immunological vulnerabilities associated with the disease. Heightened awareness and early management are essential in addressing such opportunistic infections in this patient population.

Keywords: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (cll); cll treatment; cryptococcal neoformans; disseminated cryptococcus; pulmonary cryptococcal infection.

Figure 1. Cryptococcus neoformans from blood culture.

Figure 2. Initial computed tomography without contrast demonstrating bilateral nodular densities (black arrows), as well as mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy.