Abstract

Eleven cases of proven cryptococcosis found at Yonsei Medical Center during 1973 to 1982 were studied retrospectively and the following results were obtained. 1) There was no increasing annual incidence of cryptococcosis during this period of time. The age incidence showed 7 out of 11 cases were children of under 10 years. Males dominated over females by a ratio of 8:3. 2) Nausea and vomiting were the most frequent chief complaints. Crptococcosis was suspected from the beginning in 5 of the patients, but in others, tuberculous meningitis, lymphoma or lower respiratory tract infection were suspected. 3) In general, leukocytosis were observed in all patients including 3 cases of eosinophilia. The mean spinal fluid cell counts were 103/㎕ with 81% lymphocyte. Spinal fluid protein was increased to 127㎕/100㎖ while glucose decreased to 21㎎/100㎖. 4) Spinal fluid examination revealed C. neoformans in 5 cut of 9 cases by India ink preparation, and in 9 out of 11 cases by culture technique. There were 2 cases in which the organism was proved by skin biopsy and culture but not by India ink preparation of spinal fluid. In view of these results, it can be concluded that the difinitive diagnosis of cryptococcosis should rely upon a careful analysis of clinical findings and laboratory data obtained form examination of specimens taken at proper stages.