Cryptococcosis



Cryptococcosis


Anthony Chang, MD





Key Facts


Etiology/Pathogenesis



  • Cryptococcus neoformans


  • Cryptococcus gattii


Clinical Issues



  • Rare in children before puberty


  • Male predilection


  • Treatment



    • Amphotericin B


    • Fluconazole


Microscopic Pathology



  • Granulomatous interstitial inflammation


  • Fungal organisms



    • Clear halo; mucicarmine, PAS, and silver stain positive


    • 5-10 µm in diameter


  • Tubulointerstitial inflammation with tubulitis


Top Differential Diagnoses



  • Blastomycosis






Hematoxylin & eosin shows large multinucleated giant cells image and cryptococci with characteristic clear halos image, which are distinct from the adjacent foamy macrophages in this kidney allograft.






Gomori methenamine silver shows strong staining of numerous round cryptococcal organisms image within the prominent granulomatous inflammation.


TERMINOLOGY


Synonyms



  • European blastomycosis


  • Torulosis



Definitions



  • Cryptococcal infection, typically in immunocompromised patients

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Jul 9, 2016 | Posted by in PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Cryptococcosis

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