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| Fig. 32.11 Cryptococcosis. Periodic acid–Schiff stain with diastase demonstrating budding yeast surrounded by a clear space representing the capsule. (Courtesy of the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center teaching files.) |
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| Fig. 32.10 Disseminated cryptococcosis. Multiple papules and nodules that resemble molluscum contagiosum. (Courtesy of James E. Fitzpatrick, MD.) |
Cryptococcosis is a great imitator of a wide variety of cutaneous diseases. These include molluscum contagiosum–like lesions (Fig. 32-10), Kaposi sarcoma–like lesions, pyoderma gangrenosum– like lesions, herpetiform lesions, cellulitis, ulcers, subcutaneous nodules, and palpable purpura. Lesions are most commonly found on the head, neck, and genitals, but can be found anywhere. Cutaneous lesions are found in 10% to 20% of HIV-infected patients. Histologic features are characteristic with periodic acid–Schiff stain with diastase demonstrating budding yeast surrounded by a clear space representing the capsule (Fig. 32-11).
