Vocal fold cryptococcal granuloma: A rare occurrence in immunocompetent patient

• Published in: International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
• Main Author: Zainal Abidin M.R.; Syed Hamzah Al-Yahya S.N.; Mansor M.; Abdul Rahim N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85182193564&doi=10.1016%2fj.ijscr.2024.109228&partnerID=40&md5=3496fc0d4bb077bda5edbd260c3be0e2

Introduction and importance: Cryptoccous infection or cryptococcosis is a severe opportunistic infection occurring mainly in immunocompromised patients. Laryngeal cryptococcus infection is rare. In an immunocompetent patient, inhaled corticosteroid was reported to be a possible risk factor. Case presentation: We discuss a case of right vocal fold cryptococcus infection in a healthy, immunocompetent 71-year-old man with no history of inhaled corticosteroid, presented with hoarseness and intermittent aspiration symptom for 1 year duration. Further examination showed right anterior vocal fold mass with presence of right vallecular cyst. Clinical discussion: Patient underwent direct laryngoscopy, excision of right vocal fold mass and marsupialization of vallecular cyst. Histopathological examination revealed cryptococcal infection. Patient subsequently treated with oral fluconazole 400 mg daily for 6 months. To date, hoarseness and aspiration symptoms have resolved. Conclusion: We are sharing our experience in managing laryngeal cryptococcus infection in an immunocompetent patient where the associated risk factors discussed in previous literatures are absent. © 2024 The Author(s)