[A predominant manifestation of pleural cryptococcosis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome].

Systemic cryptococcosis occurs in at least 6% patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). The lung infection by cryptococcus neoformans, less frequently observed than meningeal involvement, consists usually in focal parenchymal mycosis. Authors report an apparently isolated pleural cryptococcosis in a 41 years old mal with HIV infection. Diagnosis was performed initially by pleural and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid culture. Characteristic cryptococcosis pathological and histologic findings from thoracoscopy and open pleural biopsy are described. Cryptococcus capsular polysaccharides stainings and thoracoscopy interests are emphasized.