Pulmonary cryptococcosis is typically considered an opportunistic infection, yet it can occur in immunocompetent individuals. Early recognition is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and overlapping imaging features with malignancy or bacterial pneumonia. This retrospective study analyzed 36 immunocompetent patients diagnosed with pulmonary cryptococcosis over a 5-year period. Chest CT revealed solitary or multiple pulmonary nodules in 72% of cases, consolidations in 22%, and cavitary lesions in 6%. Lesions frequently exhibited peripheral distribution with mild enhancement post-contrast. Clinical presentations included mild cough, low-grade fever, and fatigue, with laboratory markers often normal. Timely recognition and antifungal therapy led to favorable outcomes. Awareness of imaging patterns in this population is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary invasive procedures.

Keywords: Pulmonary Cryptococcosis, Immunocompetent Patients, Chest Imaging, Fungal Infection