Pulmonary cryptococcosis with headache as the first presentation: A case report

Abstract Pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) is an invasive fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii . Its clinical presentation and radiological findings are often non-specific, making early diagnosis challenging. Herein, the case of a 44-year-old male who presented with dizziness and headache is reported. Initial cranial magnetic resonance imaging and chest computed tomography (plain and contrast-enhanced) suggested lung cancer with brain metastasis. A definitive diagnosis was established only after a lung mass biopsy, followed by a cytological smear and histopathological analysis, confirmed PC. The patient was treated with antifungal therapy postoperatively and responded well. This case underscores the importance of considering PC in differential diagnoses to enable prompt diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing associated mortality.