Cryptococcal osteomyelitis: Report of a case with aspiration biopsy of a humeral lesion with radiologic features of malignancy

D. A. Witte, I. Chen, J. Brady, I. Ramzy, L. D. Truong, M. L. Ostrowski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)815-818
Number of pages4
JournalActa Cytologica
Volume44
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

Keywords

  • Aspiration biopsy
  • Cryptococcus neoformans
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Periosteal reaction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Cell Biology
  • Histology

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