Atypical presentation of cryptococcus neoformans in a koala (phascolarctos cinereus): a magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography study

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a worldwide and potentially fatal mycosis documented in wild and captive koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Though mainly a subclinical disease, when the nasal cavity is affected, epistaxis, mucopurulent nasal discharge, dyspnea, and facial distortion may occur. This report describes a case of cryptococcosis in a koala where unilateral exophthalmos was the only evident clinical sign and magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings are described. Both advanced imaging techniques should be considered as standard and complementary techniques for nasal cavity evaluation in koalas.