Disseminated Cryptococcosis in an HIV-Negative Patient With Liver Cirrhosis and Asplenia: A Rare but Dreadful Disease.

Cryptococcosis (cryptococcal infection) is a severe life-threatening fungal infection. It is seen worldwide, specifically in immunocompromised, mainly in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)-infected individuals. Cryptococcal infection can present with meningitis, pneumonia, peritonitis, disseminated cryptococcosis, and cryptococcal fungemia. Here, we report the case of an HIV-negative Caucasian male in his early 50s with liver cirrhosis and asplenia who presented to our hospital with bilateral foot cellulitis and pneumonia. He was eventually diagnosed with disseminated cryptococcosis. Even with appropriate treatment, he developed multiorgan failure and finally expired. The disseminated cryptococcal infection has a very high mortality rate in patients with liver cirrhosis and asplenia. Liver cirrhosis is an independent risk factor, and asplenia is a comorbid condition for cryptococcal infection in HIV-negative patients. Healthcare providers should have a high suspicion of cryptococcosis in these patients. Early testing with cryptococcal antigen assay and initiation of an appropriate antimicrobial regimen can help minimize bad outcomes.

Acute Spontaneous Bilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage Presenting as Hyponatremia.

Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage is a very unusual cause of severe adrenal insufficiency and hyponatremia. It can result from trauma, infections, or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Here, we present a 58-year-old Caucasian man with fatigue, altered sensorium, bradycardia, and hypotension. He denied any abdominal pain, recent trauma, or anti-platelet or anti-coagulation agents. His laboratory workup showed hyponatremia with low serum cortisol levels. He was further worked up and underwent computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen, which showed bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. He was treated with intravenous (IV) steroids followed by oral hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. His symptoms resolved, and he was safely discharged home. Asymptomatic bilateral adrenal hemorrhage is a sporadic disease, and it should be in the differential diagnosis for disproportionately sick people with other adrenal insufficiency features.