Unusual presentation of disseminated cryptococcal infection complicated by myocarditis in a heart transplant recipient

Abstract

Background: Cryptococcus neoformans is the third most common cause of invasive fungal infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. While cryptococcal infection can involve any organ, cases of myocarditis are exceedingly rare. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for this case report. Results: We present the case of a 21-year-old heart transplant recipient who developed disseminated cryptococcal infection with biopsy-proven cryptococcal myocarditis. Conclusions: Cryptococcal disease in SOT recipients poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. There are no current guidelines for the duration of cryptococcal myocarditis treatment. Repeat myocardial biopsy may play a role in guiding length of therapy.