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.
Ingleton
R
R
Department of Dermatology, New York Medical College-Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA.
Koestenblatt
E
E
Don
P
P
Levy
H
H
Szaniawski
W
W
Weinberg
J M
JM
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