Abstract

Initial rapid diagnosis of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis(PPC) occurring in a immunocompetent host was made by transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology of a solitary subpleural nodule. Numerous refractile spherical organisms surrounded by a clear halo were demonstrated with haematoxylin-eosin and Papanicolaou stains. The organisms, 5 15 micrometer in diameter, were easily demonstrated with Gomori methenamine-silver stain. Many of the organisms showed narrow-base budding. Carminophilic cell walls were well demonstrated with mucicarmine stain.

• Keywords: Cryptococcosis;Lung;Aspiration cytology;