A case of pulmonary cryptococcosis with non-small cell lung cancer in idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia

Yonsei Med J. 2005 Feb 28;46(1):173-6. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2005.46.1.173.

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans commonly causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, especially in patients with AIDS. CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia in AIDS indicates an increased risk of opportunistic infection and a decline in immunological function. Idiopathic CD4 T-lymphocytopenia (ICL) is characterized by depletions in the CD4+ T-cell subsets, without evidence of HIV infection. Immunodeficiency can exist in the absence of laboratory evidence of HIV infection, and T-cell subsets should be evaluated in patients who present with unusual opportunistic infections. We report a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis and lung cancer in a patient with persistently low CD4+ cell counts, without evidence of HIV infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / immunology
  • Cryptococcosis / complications*
  • Cryptococcosis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / immunology
  • Lymphopenia / complications*
  • Lymphopenia / immunology
  • Male