Pulmonary Cryptococcosis

Report on the Treatment of Nine Cases

¹ Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Diego; Department of Medicine, Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California

Nine cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis unassociated with meningitis or other underlying disease have been discussed regarding the place for medical and surgical management. Seven patients survived. Resection was the only therapy in five with unilateral disease. No complications resulted. Amphotericin B was the only therapy in two patients with diffuse bilateral disease, one of whom died, and in one patient with unilateral disease. One additional patient with bilateral localized disease died after attempted bilateral resection. Symptoms were not reliable in determining the activity of disease nor in selecting the therapeutic program. Amphotericin B should be given for diffuse bilateral disease or with extension of a localized lesion. It has not been needed following resection of unilateral disease.