Early respiratory interventional therapy combined with antifungal agent for endobronchial cryptococcosis: A case report and literature review.

Abstract

Rationale: Cryptococcosis presenting as endobronchial obstruction and lung collapse is an extremely rare occurrence. While these patients were treated with antifungal agents, unfortunately, half of them showed a suboptimal response. Patient concerns: A 45-year-old immunocompetent male was admitted to the hospital due to a cough, yellow phlegm, and dyspnea persisting for 5 months. Chest computer tomography revealed a mass in the right main bronchus accompanied by right lower lobe atelectasis. Diagnoses: Endobronchial cryptococcosis presenting as endobronchial obstruction and lung collapse. Interventions: Early rigid bronchoscopic therapy was performed to resect endobronchial obstruction, which combined with antifungal agent. Outcomes: The patient recovered well with completely clinical and radiologic resolution at 1 year follow-up. Lessons: This case provides a good example of successful utilization of the early respiratory interventional therapy combined with antifungal agent in obstructive endobronchial cryptococcosis.