Nicolas C, Truchetet F, Christian B, Dorvaux V, Cuny J F
Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital du Bon-Secours, 1, place Philippe-de-Vigneulles, 57000 Metz, France.
Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2000 Feb;127(2):188-90.
Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by the yeast-like fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. It primarily occurs in immunocompromised hosts. Crytptococcosis is usually a systemic disease and may be serious if the lungs or the central nervous system are involved.
We describe a case of cutaneous cryptococcosis without systemic involvement occurring as the first manifestation of AIDS. The skin lesion in our patient consisted of a large crusted ulceration on the scalp. Fluconazole was successful.
This case is a new observation of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in a patient with AIDS. Clinical appearance may be misleading; skin lesions may be the primary sign in immunocompromised patients. Rapid treatment and secondary prophylaxis are required.
