Diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal disease that was previously found predominantly in immunocompromised patients, but in recent years, its incidence has been increasing even among immunocompetent individuals. It can affect all organs and tissues, primarily infecting the lungs, brain, and meninges, leading to meningitis, and in severe cases, even death. However, due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations and imaging features of cryptococcosis, misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis frequently occur, causing many patients to miss the optimal treatment window. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the etiology and epidemiological characteristics of cryptococcosis, comprehensively summarizes its clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and diagnostic methods, and describes novel diagnostic techniques and testing approaches. The aim is to enhance the understanding of cryptococcosis, thereby offering valuable insights for improving patients' survival rates and quality of life.