Abstract
BACKGROUND: Osteomyelitis due to Cryptococcus neoformans typically exhibits lytic lesions on radiographs. Extensive periosteal reaction is an uncommon feature. CASE: A 68-year-old man presented with pain and swelling in the left elbow. Radiologic studies exhibited a lytic humeral lesion with extensive periosteal reaction, interpreted as a malignant neoplasm. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) revealed abundant cryptococcal organisms. CONCLUSION: Cryptococcus is an uncommon cause of lytic osseous lesions that may mimic malignant neoplasms. Extensive periosteal reaction may support a radiologic diagnosis of primary osseous malignancy in rare cases. FNA with examination of Diff-Quik-stained slides may be employed for distinguishing cryptococcal osteomyelitis from malignant tumors and for prompt identification of the organisms.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 815-818 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Acta Cytologica |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
Keywords
- Aspiration biopsy
- Cryptococcus neoformans
- Osteomyelitis
- Periosteal reaction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Anatomy
- Cell Biology
- Histology