SEROUS RETINAL DETACHMENT DUE TO CRYPTOCOCCOSIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of bilateral ocular cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent patient without neurologic findings.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 30-year-old healthy Caucasian man presented with painless blurred vision in the left eye. Examination showed bilateral serous detachments and white retinal lesions. The visual acuity (VA) was 20/40 in the right eye and hand motions in the left eye. Neurologic workup and serologies were negative, and a computer tomography-positron emission tomography scan showed diffuse lymph node enlargement with metabolic activity and a suspected lymphoproliferative disorder. The myelogram and immunohistochemistry were normal. A biopsy of the cervical lymph nodes was positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. He was treated with antifungal medications and had complete resolution of the subretinal fluid and VA improvement.

Conclusion: Cryptococcosis is a rare entity in an immunocompetent person. A systemic workup is necessary to diagnose cryptococcosis and initiate prompt treatment.