Disseminated cutaneous cryptococcosis in a patient with AIDS

ABSTRACT

The authors study a patient carrying Aids, with exuberant dermatological manifestations of cryptococcosis. They stress the therapeutic effectiveness of short-term amphotericin B. The authors reviewed cases of cutaneous infection with Cryptococcus reported in the national and international literature, verifying that the frequency has increased with the AIDS epidemic. Also, they discuss about the differential diagnosis with some cases of dermatosis, particularly with the disseminated giant molluscum contagiosum. In relation to the therapy, they affirm that the choice of drug depends on the organ involved, as well as the immune state of the patient.

RESUMO

Os autores estudam um paciente portador de SIDA, com manifestações dermatológicas exuberantes de criptococose. Destacam a eficácia terapêutica da anfotericina B, a curto prazo. Revisam os casos de criptococose cutânea relatados na literatura nacional e internacional, ressaltando o aumento de sua freqüência com a epidemia da SIDA. Também discutem o diagnóstico diferencial com várias dermatoses, particularmente com o molusco contagioso gigante disseminado. Em relação à terapêutica, afirmam que a escolha da droga depende do órgão comprometido, assim como do estado imunológico do paciente.