Fatal Outcome due to Disseminated Cryptococcosis in a Patient With HIVrequiring Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Disseminated cryptococcosis is a severe, high-mortality opportunistic infection with systemic effects, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report a rare case of fulminant disseminated cryptococcosis in a 32-year-old male with undiagnosed advanced human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome who rapidly developed multi-organ failure, refractory shock, and cardiac arrest within 21 h of admission, necessitating veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Despite resuscitative efforts, the patient died on Day 6.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the accelerated progression of disseminated cryptococcosis in patients with profound immunosuppression and the unique autopsy findings of extensive myocardial cryptococcal infiltration and microemboli, suggesting a contribution to acute refractory shock.