Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Sonal V Jha
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Faculty
Academic Level (Author 3)
Faculty
Discipline Track
Clinical Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Introduction: Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) have been reported at fairly low incidences in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. 1 However, they are known to result in high mortality, ranging from 35%-100%, likely due to a delay in treatment caused by culture-based diagnosis.2-5 Cryptococcus are the third most common cause of fungal infection in SOT patients. 6-7
Objective: Here we present a case of disseminated cryptococcus in a patient with kidney transplantation unique in its rapid onset and presence of perinephric and perihepatic abscesses. The findings presented may inform clinicians of the potentially unusual manifestations of common fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients.
Methods: Consent was obtained from the IRB to use this patient’s information for the purposes of this research. Information obtained pertained to initial patient complaint, initial physical examination, initial lab results, and pertinent radiographic findings.
Results: Patient was found to have leukocytosis, low hematocrit, patchy lung infiltrates, and perinephric and perihepatic abscesses on imaging.
Discussion: This case is unique because the patient developed disseminated cryptococcus three months after transplantation; the typical time to onset is typically between 1.5-5 years posttransplantation.1 Additionally perinephric and perihepatic abscesses were unusual findings for this infection.8 It is likely that the patient acquired Cryptococcus while engaging in farm-work, resulting in its unique presentation. Also unusual is the central nervous system involvement that developed despite tacrolimus use. This is a finding that contrasts previous literature. 9-10 Many risk factors including prior ICU admission, hemodialysis, corticosteroid and antibiotic use may have contributed to these noteworthy findings.9-10
Presentation Type
Poster
Recommended Citation
Jha, Sonal V.; Gonzalez, Thomas V.; and Chang, Chelsea, "Disseminated Cryptococcosis in solid organ transplant recipient" (2025). Research Colloquium. 59.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/colloquium/presentation/poster/59
Poster containing imaging findings
Included in
Disseminated Cryptococcosis in solid organ transplant recipient
Introduction: Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) have been reported at fairly low incidences in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. 1 However, they are known to result in high mortality, ranging from 35%-100%, likely due to a delay in treatment caused by culture-based diagnosis.2-5 Cryptococcus are the third most common cause of fungal infection in SOT patients. 6-7
Objective: Here we present a case of disseminated cryptococcus in a patient with kidney transplantation unique in its rapid onset and presence of perinephric and perihepatic abscesses. The findings presented may inform clinicians of the potentially unusual manifestations of common fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients.
Methods: Consent was obtained from the IRB to use this patient’s information for the purposes of this research. Information obtained pertained to initial patient complaint, initial physical examination, initial lab results, and pertinent radiographic findings.
Results: Patient was found to have leukocytosis, low hematocrit, patchy lung infiltrates, and perinephric and perihepatic abscesses on imaging.
Discussion: This case is unique because the patient developed disseminated cryptococcus three months after transplantation; the typical time to onset is typically between 1.5-5 years posttransplantation.1 Additionally perinephric and perihepatic abscesses were unusual findings for this infection.8 It is likely that the patient acquired Cryptococcus while engaging in farm-work, resulting in its unique presentation. Also unusual is the central nervous system involvement that developed despite tacrolimus use. This is a finding that contrasts previous literature. 9-10 Many risk factors including prior ICU admission, hemodialysis, corticosteroid and antibiotic use may have contributed to these noteworthy findings.9-10
