Isolated intramedullary cryptococcal granuloma of the conus medullaris: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Infection of the nervous system by Cryptococcus neoformans most often causes meningitis and meningoencephalitis. While there have been several cases of cerebral cryptoccal granuloma published in the literature, the isolated occurrence of intramedullary cryptococcal granuloma is very rare. We present an immunocompetent patient with such a lesion of the conus medullaris. The patient's clinical symptoms mimicked an intramedullary spinal cord tumor. The diagnosis was made by histopathology, rather than by image or laboratory examinations. The case was successfully managed with surgical removal of the lesion and postoperative anti-fungal treatment.