CT Findings of Pulmonary Cryptococcosis: A Series of 12 Cases

Cryptococcus neoformans pneumonia occurs frequently in immunocompromised patients. The organism is a non-mycelial budding yeast found in the soil and in pigeons droppings. It is rare in immunocompetent patients. The aim of this study was to analyze computed tomography (CT) findings of pulmonary cryptococcosis in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent subjects. Twelve patients of proved pulmonary cryptococcosis were reviewed. Their CT findings were pulmonary nodules (n=10), masses (n=5), micronodule (n=1), consolidation (n=1) with subpleural location (n=11), and lower lobe predilection (n=8). The margin of the nodules were ill-defined (n=7), spiculated (n=7) and lobulated (n=4). Some of them had air-bronchogram (n=6), halo sign (n=6) and cavitation (n=3). The clinical picture of pulmonary cryptococcosis is non-specific. Therefore familiarity with the CT findings can make the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis earlier and easier.