Rapid respiratory deterioration and sudden death due to disseminated crypotcoccosis in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

We report the case of a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) whose death occurred within 30 hours of hospitalization due to diss eminated cryptococcosis, manifested by dizziness, cough, and shortness of b reath, The clinical picture was consistent with pneumocystis pneumonia, and antibiotic therapy with corticosteroids was initiated. Despite initial imp rovement, the patient's condition quickly worsened, resulting in cardioresp iratory arrest and death. Autopsy revealed cryptococci in several organs. S udden, rapid deterioration and death are rare consequences of disseminated cryptococcosis, and steroids may worsen the course of the disease, On the b asis of this case and review of similar cases in the literature, we recomme nd early consideration of disseminated cryptococcosis in AIDS patients with pneumonia, Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.