A case of orbital cryptococcosis

PURPOSE: This report describes a case of Cryptococcus neoformans found in an unlikely location, the orbit, in an apparently immunocompetent host. OBSERVATIONS: A coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach between the ophthalmology, neurosurgery, pathology, and infectious disease departments was integral to saving both vision and life. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This is the first case of primary orbital cryptococcosis described in the medical literature, to the authors’ knowledge. The case draws attention to the possibility that Cryptococcus neoformans can indeed invade the orbit and should be considered part of the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with orbital masses of uncertain etiology.