Pulmonary cryptococcosis: analyses of 17 cases in VGH-Taipei

Seventeen patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis collected at VGH-Taipei from 1967 to 1991 were analysed. Their ages ranged from 16 to 70 years with a mean of 45.2. Twelve were men and five were female. The chief characteristic symptoms and signs were cough (58.8%), fever (29.4%) and dyspnea (23.5%). Nearly one third of cases were asymptomatic and presented with abnormal chest roentgenogram. The chest roentgenogram included single nodule or mass (41.2%), multiple nodules (35.3%), pneumonic patch or consolidation (23.5%). In addition, 5 cases (29.4%) and 4 cases (23.5%) were combined with cavitary formation and pleural effusion respectively. Only two cases had associated immunologic deficiency. No patient was found to have history of breeding pigeon. Five cases didn't receive any treatment but were followed from 6 months to 5 years. The remaining 12 cases underwent medical treatment, surgical resection or a combination of both. Prognosis was good in all except one patient who died of multiple myeloma.