%0 Journal Article
%T Rapid Identification of Cryptococcus Organisms Easily Possible with Stimulated Raman Histology on a Pulmonary Tiny Biopsy Specimen: A Case Report
%A Howard D. Epstein
%A Cory D. Sessum
%A Christian Freudiger
%A Steven Pastore
%A Javier A. Longoria
%J Case Reports in Clinical Medicine
%P 80-85
%@ 2325-7083
%D 2025
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/crcm.2025.142010
%X <b>Background:</b> <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. While traditional histologic methods such as hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining can sometimes identify fungal organisms, definitive diagnosis typically requires microbiological culture or molecular testing. Stimulated Raman Histology (SRH) is an emerging imaging technology that enables rapid, label-free tissue analysis, potentially improving intraoperative diagnostic workflows. <b>Aim:</b> This case report explores the utility of SRH for the real-time identification of pulmonary cryptococcosis, highlighting its potential to enhance tissue triage and expedite diagnosis. <b>Case Presentation:</b> We report a 44-year-old man with a history of smoking and alcohol use who presented with a right lower lung mass. An ION robotic-assisted bronchoscopy was performed, and SRH was used intraoperatively for real-time tissue evaluation. Within approximately 90 seconds, SRH provided morphologic findings indicative of <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i>, prompting additional microbiological testing, which confirmed the diagnosis. The patient required a six-week hospitalization with antifungal therapy. <b>Conclusion:</b> This case demonstrates the potential of SRH as a rapid, intraoperative diagnostic tool for detecting fungal infections in pulmonary specimens. By enabling real-time morphological assessment, SRH can optimize biopsy specimen triage, reduce the need for repeat procedures, and improve patient management. Integrating SRH into diagnostic workflows may be particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings, where timely cryptococcosis diagnosis is critical.
%K Rapid OnSite Assessment (ROSE)
%K FNA
%K Cryptococcus
%K Fungal Infection Diagnosis
%K SRH
%K Histology
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=140716