Fatal Outcome due to Disseminated Cryptococcosis in a Patient With HIVrequiring Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report

Background: Disseminated cryptococcosis is a severe, high-mortality opportunistic infection with systemic effects, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Case Presentation: Herein, we report a rare case of fulminant disseminated cryptococcosis in a 32-year-old male with undiagnosed advanced human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome who rapidly developed multi-organ failure, refractory shock, and cardiac arrest within 21 h of admission, necessitating veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Despite resuscitative efforts, the patient died on Day 6. Conclusion: This case highlights the accelerated progression of disseminated cryptococcosis in patients with profound immunosuppression and the unique autopsy findings of extensive myocardial cryptococcal infiltration and microemboli, suggesting a contribution to acute refractory shock.