Axillary lymphadenopathy in a liver transplant recipient: Initial manifestation of disseminated cryptococcosis

Abstract

Immunocompromised patients, especially organ transplant recipients, are at risk for opportunistic infections. Cryptococcus , a ubiquitous environmental fungus, can cause potentially fatal infection in such hosts. While it can involve any organ in the human body, respiratory and central nervous systems are commonly affected. We present a case of disseminated cryptococcal infection in a liver transplant recipient in whom the initial presentation was bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy, a relatively rare clinical manifestation. Rapid diagnosis and targeted antimicrobial therapy are paramount for favorable clinical outcomes, particularly in this patient population.