Clinical Analysis Of70Patients Pathologically Diagnosed With Pulmonary Cryptococcosis

ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical manifestations of pulmonary cryptococcosis, imaging features, diagnosis and treatment methods and prognostic factors.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of70patients pathologically diagnosed with pulmonary cryptococcosis at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital during2005.1.1and2014.12.31.ResultsOf70patients(38males and32females, aged from18to72years),35patients (50%) were immunocompromised as defined. The most common clinical symptoms include cough(26cases), sputum(20cases), hemoptysis(2cases), chest pain(15cases), shortness of breath(5cases), chest tightness(10cases). Radiological study showed that the lesions were located in the right lung only(44.29%), left lung(30.00%) and bilateral(25.71%).44cases (62.86%) showed nodules(d=1.93±1.35cm),15cases (21.43%) showed patchy infiltrates and11cases (15.71%) showed mixed lesions. Only3cases (4.29%) was diagnosed as cryptococcal infection when admission. The diagnosis was proven by CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy(44cases), surgery(22cases), bronchoscopic lung biopsy(2cases), puncture and surgery(2cases).61cases showed complete and partial remission, accounting for92.42%, three cases had no evaluation till now,1case progressed, and1died.ConclusionImmunocompetent or immunocompromised persons can both have pulmonary cryptococcosis. There are no specific clinical symptoms and imaging findings. The diagnosis is more dependent on percutaneous lung biopsy and surgery. The prognosis will be better if standardized treated.