Cutaneous cryptococcosis in a renal transplant patient: Successful treatment with fluconazole

Abstract

The first case of cutaneous cryptococcosis in a renal transplant patient successfully treated with fluconazole is reported. A 59-year-old renal transplant female patient receiving immunosuppressive therapy developed cutaneous cellulitis on the posterior aspect of the right thigh, which ulcerated. Diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis was confirmed by culture and histopathological and mycological examination. There was no sign of involvement of other organs. Fluconazole 300 mg/day orally was started; after 93 days the dose was increased to 400 mg/day. Clinical, mycological and histopathological cure was obtained after 182 days of treatment. In spite of immunosuppressive therapy, fluconazole was successful in treating the disease, and there was no relapse over the following year. Treatment had no adverse influence on renal function.