Muscular-skeletal cryptococcosis in a patient with idiopathic CD4+ lymphopenia

Mycopathologia. 2001;149(3):137-9. doi: 10.1023/a:1007271822625.

Abstract

A healthy 27-year-old woman presented, four months after childbirth, ingravescent pain and claudication of the left lower limb. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the lumbosacral and iliac regions showed widespread muscular-skeletal lesions. The patient underwent surgery; Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from surgical samples. Liposomal amphotericin B, fluconazole and itraconazole were administered. Laboratory findings showed lymphocytopenia, with reduction of CD4+ lymphocytes (23 cells per cubic millimeter) in the absence of HIV infection and any other defined immunodeficiency. This is a rare case of muscular-skeletal cryptococcal infection isolated in a subject affected with idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / microbiology
  • Abscess / surgery
  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cryptococcosis / complications*
  • Cryptococcosis / immunology
  • Cryptococcosis / microbiology
  • Cryptococcosis / therapy
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / isolation & purification*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphopenia / complications*
  • Lymphopenia / immunology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / complications*
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / immunology
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / microbiology
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / therapy
  • Spine / microbiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents