Lymph node with extensive involvement by Cryptococcus shortly following liver transplantation

Abstract

Herein, we present a case of extensive lymph node involvement by disseminated Cryptococcus infection developing in the immediate period after liver transplantation and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. The patient, a 56 year old ethnicity unknown man, received a liver transplant for acute decompensated liver. Beginning 24 days after transplantation, he was found to have Cryptococcus neoformans infection, involving the pleural fluid, blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), liver, and lymph nodes. He received treatment with amphotericin B and flucytosine; he was transitioned to fluconazole, and his response was good. This relatively rapid development of disease raises the possibility of donor-derived Cryptococcus infection.