Cutaneous cryptococcosis; report of a case treated with potassium iodide and x-ray therapy.

The treatment of cryptococcosis has been generally unsuccessful, and the disease has almost always been fatal. There have been a few reports of arrest of the disease and even apparent cures. Therapeutic agents have included sulfadiazine,12-hydroxystilbamidine,2and curettage plus iodides and roentgen therapy.3 The following case of cutaneous cryptococcosis has already been reported by Brier, Mopper, and Stone.4It is being reported again to show the apparent clinical cure following administration of large doses of potassium iodide and roentgen therapy. Report of Case The history, physical examination, and laboratory findings as recorded by Brier, et al.,4need not be repeated here. A complete spinal fluid examination in September, 1956, was normal. A spinal fluid smear and culture for Torula histolytica were negative. Skin examination on April 19, 1956 (when the patient first came under my care): Thickly crusted lesions covered the helix