Clinical features and radiological characteristics of pulmonary cryptococcosis. Issue 7 (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deng, Hui; Zhang, Jie; Li, Jia; Wang, Dongxu; Pan, Lei; Xue, Xinying
• Is Part Of: Journal of international medical research. Volume 46:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 2687
• Page End: 2695
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Pulmonary cryptococcosis -- chest computed tomography -- single nodule/mass -- multiple nodules/masses -- miliary nodules -- enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes; Medicine -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060518769541
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-0605

Abstract

Objective: Diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis is difficult. In this study, we examined the clinical and radiological features that increase the diagnostic accuracy for pulmonary cryptococcosis. Methods: This retrospective study included clinical data from 68 patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis from 2012 to 2016 in 3 tertiary hospitals. Results: Among the 68 patients, 39 (57.35%) had no complications, 39 (57.35%) had clinical symptoms, 6 (8.82%) had a history of occupational exposure, 27 (39.71%) had a single nodule/mass (the most common type of pulmonary cryptococcosis) on chest computed tomography images, 21 (30.88%) had multiple nodules/masses, 16 (23.53%) had ground glass opacity with or without nodules, 2 (2.94%) had miliary nodules, and 2 (2.94%) had enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Fifty-three (77.94%) patients had lesions with irregular margins, 33 (48.53%) had spiculated lesions, 32 (47.06%) had air bronchograms, 9 (13.24%) had cavities, and 4 (5.88%) had calcifications. Twenty-four patients underwent surgery, 35 received antifungal treatment, and 9 received both treatments. Conclusion: The clinical features and computed tomography signs found in this study are not specific for a diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis. Therefore, an increased awareness of pulmonary cryptococcosis is needed among clinicians.