Abstract
Skeletal Cryptococcosis although rare has been reported in immunodeficient individuals and in particular those with HIV. We present a case in a HIV- negative patient who presented to the London Sarcoma service masquerading as a primary bone tumour and review the relevant literature.
A 71 year old lady presented with a three month history of right submammary pain associated with a new lump. Chest radiographs showed an osteolytic lesion in the right 6th rib. CT scans demonstrated mediastinal lymphadenopathy and numerous lung nodules. Differential diagnosis of the lesion included TB abscess, myeloma, lymphoma or as a primary lung tumour presenting with hilar lymphadenopathy and necrotic skeletal metastasis. CT guided biopsy was performed with histology showing necrotising granulomatous inflammation with numerous yeast like organisms in keeping with Cryptococcus fungal infection. She was treated successfully with a six week course of voriconazole.
Cryptococcal skeletal infections can cause significant morbidity and mortality and should be considered as a rare cause of lytic osseous lesions.
