Cutaneous cryptococcosis

Abstract

A 31 yr old woman with long-standing renal disease, treated with systemic steroids [dexamethasone] and azathioprine, developed progressive skin ulceration and subcutaneous nodules. A diagnosis of cryptococcosis was established after histological examination of a cutaneous lesion and confirmed by culture of the organism [Cryptococcus neoformans] from the biopsy specimen. A detailed description of the histology and ultrastructure of the cutaneous lesion is presented. Treatment with parenteral amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine resulted in dramatic resolution of the skin lesions.