Cellulitis-like cutaneous cryptococcosis revealing disseminated infection in a kidney transplant recipient: a case report and systematic review.
Vincenzo Scaglione, Simone Melchiorri, Marco Cola et al.
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Case in brief
A kidney transplant recipient developed cellulitis-like cutaneous lesions shortly after transplantation, which were later identified as a disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans infection. The diagnosis was confirmed through skin histology and cryptococcal antigen testing. The patient was treated with an amphotericin B-based regimen, leading to clinical recovery, highlighting the importance of recognizing atypical presentations in immunocompromised patients.
What made this case unusual
The case exemplifies how cutaneous cryptococcosis can mimic cellulitis, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment in kidney transplant recipients.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for cryptococcosis in kidney transplant recipients presenting with cellulitis-like skin lesions, as these may indicate disseminated infection.
Why it matters
Recognizing the polymorphic presentation of cryptococcosis is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly impact patient outcomes in immunocompromised populations.