Pulmonary cryptococcosis: CT and pathologic findings.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this work was to describe the CT and pathologic findings of pulmonary cryptococcosis.


METHODS
CT scans of 11 patients (7 immunocompromised, 4 immunocompetent) with proven pulmonary cryptococcosis were analyzed for number, morphologic characteristics, and distribution of parenchymal abnormalities as well for presence of lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion. Pathology of lung specimens obtained by open biopsy or resection (n = 5) and transbronchial biopsy (n = 1) was reviewed by one dedicated pulmonary pathologist.


RESULTS
Pulmonary nodules, either solitary or multiple, were the most common CT finding, present in 10 of 11 patients (91%); associated findings included masses (n = 4), CT halo sign (n = 3), and consolidation (n = 2). On histologic examination, focal areas of ground-glass attenuation surrounding or adjacent to nodules were found to represent airspace collections of macrophages and proteinaceous fluid.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary cryptococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of solitary or multiple pulmonary nodules (with or without associated CT halo sign), particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Zinck
Steven E
SE
Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Leung
Ann N
AN
Frost
Michael
M
Berry
Gerald J
GJ
Müller
Nestor L
NL
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008172:Lung Diseases, Fungal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003074:Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed