A Case of Cryptococcal Abscess Involving Deep Neck Space in an Immunocompetent Patient / 대한이비인후과학회지

The encapsulated yeast, Cryptococcus, has rapidly risen to a worldwide major opportunistic fungal pathogen. Infection with Cryptococcus neoformans usually occurs in immunocompromised host and but may occur also occur in immunocompetent patients. Cryptococccal infection commonly involves the lung or central nervous system; it can disseminate to any organ. However, Cryptococcal abscess in deep neck space is rare. We report an immunocompe-tent patient, who was 60-years-old with cryptococcal abscess in deep neck space. Incisional biopsy of the involved soft tissue revealed the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans. Abscess culture also yielded Cryptococcus. Surgical debriment and antifungal therapy resulted in cure.