A case of systemic cryptococcosis in an immunocompromised host : A chance diagnosis by FNAC

Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common life threatening fungal pathogen that infects patients with Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We present a case of 14 year old female came with complaints of bilateral non tender lymphadenopathy and mass per abdomen. On FNAC from lymphnode and spleen showed varying sized of cryptococcal organism which was further confirmed with Indian ink preparation. Following Human Immunodeficiency Virus test showed positivity. In immunocompromised individuals Cryptococcosis is the prevailing cause of death among opportunistic fungal disease. Greater number of studies showed the cryptococcosis in lung, meninges and skin whereas lymph node and spleen involvement is considered to be rare. We report a case of systemic cryptococcosis presenting as cervical lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology. Keywords: FNAC, Spleen, Lymph node, Cryptococcosis, Immunocompromised.