Analysis of CT images and pathological features of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis

ObjectiveTo observe the CT images and clinical pathological features of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis(PPC), so as to improve its diagnostic accuracy.

MethodsThe data of CT image and pathological features of 31 cases with PPC confirmed by histopathology were retrospectively analyzed.

ResultsAmong 31 patientts, solitary nodule/mass in 16 cases, multiple nodules/mass in 6 cases, infiltrative consolidation in 5 cases and mixed type in 4 cases were identified.Among 31 cases, 21 cases located in subpleural region(67.7%), 11 cases showed pleural "indentation sign"(35.3%), 10 cases showed "air bronchogram" (32.3%), 9 cases showed "speculation"(29.0%) and 8 cases showed "halo sign"(25.8%), respectively.The enhanced CT scan in 25 cases were implemented, 6 cases with "angiographic sign", 21 cases with mild or moderate enhancement(including 19 cases with niform and 2 cases with uniform) and 4 cases with obvious homogeneous enhancement were found.Histopathologically, all lesions were granulomatous with abundant cryptococcal spores.

ConclusionsThe CT features of PPC are various, the nodules/masses in the subpleural area of lower lung are most common, which is complicated with "speculation", "air bronehogram", "halo sign", pleural indentation sign", mild or moderate homogeneous enhancement.These findings may be helpful for the preoperative diagnosis.