Isolated cryptococcal thoracic empyema with osteomyelitis of the rib in an immunocompetent host.
Cryptococcal thoracic empyema is extremely rare and has been described almost always in immunocompromised patients with pulmonary or disseminated cryptococcosis. To our knowledge, isolated cryptococcal thoracic empyema with rib osteomyelitis has never been reported in an immunocompetent patient. We herein present such a case. Computed tomographic (CT) scan suggested the diagnosis of thoracic empyema in association with adjacent rib osteomyelitis, confirmed by postoperative histological examination. Surgical debridement followed by appropriate antifungal therapy achieved a complete eradication of the infection.
Chang
Wei-Chou
WC
Department of Radiology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, 325, Cheng-Kung Road, Sec. 2, Taipei 114, Taiwan, ROC.
Tzao
Ching
C
Hsu
Hsian-He
HH
Chang
Hon
H
Lo
Chung-Ping
CP
Chen
Cheng-Yu
CY
D000328:Adult; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000187:drug effects; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D012272:Ribs / Q000382:microbiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000935:Antifungal Agents