Analysis of pulmonary cryptococcosis in Chinese PLA General Hospital in 20 years

Objective To study the host factors of pulmonary cryptococcosis, describe the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment, and improve the understanding of pulmonary cryptococcosis. Methods Clinical data of pulmonary cryptococcosis cases in Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1993 to September 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of the 39 cases (28 males and 11 females) with pulmonary cryptococcosis, 24 PC cases were not found any underlying diseases or inducements, 14 cases (35.9%) were asymptomatic. 19 cases (48.7%) were cough and 8 cases were sputum (20.5%). 26 cases (66.7%) performed as pulmonary nodules in CT chest scan. Initial diagnosis of PC which were easily misdiagnosed as tuberculosis or lung cancer were correct in 11 cases (28.2%) within 5 -172 days (mean, 23.1 days) since onset. 38 cases (97.4%) out of the 39 patients were diagnosed by pathology. No patient died in this group. 20 cases underwent surgery, and 16 patients (80%) recovered. Of the 10 patients received drug treatment, 7 cases (70%) improved (with Cloconazole treatment), 1 case (10%) deteriorated. Conclusion Pulmonary cryptococcosis may attack the normal population with no specificity in clinical symptoms and CT fi ndings. Pathological diagnosis are the basic diagnosis of PC, while surgical treatment can also cure PC. Cluconazole is the conventional medicine to treat PC with effectiveness and well tolerance.