# Giant Posterior Fossa Neurocryptococcoma Mimicking a Brain Tumor in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

## TL;DR

A 31-year-old woman with a normal immune system was diagnosed with a rare brain infection mimicking a tumor and successfully treated with surgery.

## Contribution

This case report adds a rare instance of neurocryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient and emphasizes its diagnostic importance.

## Key findings

- A large posterior fossa neurocryptococcoma was successfully treated with surgical resection.
- Cryptococcal infection should be considered in differential diagnosis even in immunocompetent patients.
- The case underscores the variability in presentation of CNS cryptococcosis.

## Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a rare infection that can affect the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neurological complications. Neurocryptococcoma, though uncommon, can present with significant morbidity. We report the case of a 31-year-old immunocompetent woman who developed a large posterior fossa neurocryptococcoma. The lesion was successfully treated with complete surgical resection via occipital craniotomy. Diagnosing a cryptococcal infection can be challenging due to its rarity and the variability of its presentation. Management typically involves either medical or surgical interventions based on lesion characteristics. This case highlights the importance of considering neurocryptococcoma in the differential diagnosis for patients with neurological symptoms, even in those without apparent immune deficiency.