Cutaneous cryptococcosis mimicking basal cell carcinoma in a patient with AIDS.
BACKGROUND
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the encapsulated yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. This ubiquitous organism has emerged as a frequent finding in immunosuppressed patients, especially those with underlying malignancies, organ transplants, and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Cutaneous manifestations of cryptococcosis occur in 10 to 15% of patients having systemic involvement. These skin lesions may simulate a variety of different disease entities.


METHODS
A case of crytococcosis mimicking a basal cell carcinoma is the subject of a case report presentation.


RESULTS
A case of cutaneous cryptococcosis mimicking basal cell carcinoma occurred in a patient with AIDS, who did not appear to have dissemination, but was treated aggressively to stem possible occult systemic disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Cutaneous crytococcosis may mimic other dermatologic disorders.
Department of Dermatology, New York Medical College-Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA.
R
R
Ingleton
E
E
Koestenblatt
P
P
Don
H
H
Levy
W
W
Szaniawski
J M
JM
Weinberg
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D015725:Fluconazole