Cryptococcosis Presenting as a Neck Mass

Abstract

A rare case of cryptococcal infection presenting as a neck mass in an otherwise healthy individual is reported. The mass resulted in lytic destruction of portions of the cervical vertebrae and produced a focal neurologic deficit in one of the upper extremities. Although other lesions in the skull, femur, and humerus were identified, no involvement of the lungs or central nervous system could be detected. The patient was initially treated with amphotericin B and flucytosine, but eventually also required fluconazole and surgical debridement for complete resolution of the infection. The diagnosis, treatment, and manifestations of cryptococcosis in the head and neck are discussed.