Destructive Cryptococcal Osteomyelitis Mimicking Tuberculous Spondylitis

Abstract

improved. Upon discharge, the patient was prescribed oral fluconazole. Follow-up examinations showed a stable condition and a negative serum cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide antigen test. Conclusions: Given the rarity and lack of specificity of clinical features of cryptococcal spondylitis, clinicians encountering similar presentations should consider tuberculous spondylitis and spinal tumors as differential diagnoses. Additionally, tissue biopsy of the affected vertebral bodies should be performed early to establish the type of vertebral infection, aiding in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.