Cryptococcal Pneumonia Occurring as an Infiltrative Mass Simulating Carcinoma in an Immunocompetent Host: Plain Film, CT, and MRI Findings

Cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal pulmonary infection, rarely occurs in advanced form in immunocompetent individuals. Radiographic findings are variable and include single and multiple mass-like infiltrates, nodules, and segmental infiltrates. MRI manifestations of pulmonary cryptococcosis have not been reported previously. We have compared MRI, CT, and plain film radiographic findings in a case of multisegmental cryptococcal pneumonia occurring as a mass simulating carcinoma in an immunocompetent individual; we have also discussed the differential radiographic evaluation of pulmonary cryptococcosis.