Cryptococcal Endocarditis in a Woman with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have demonstrated improved progression-free survival benefits and decreased treatment-related side effects, and therefore are now considered first-line of treatment of EGFR mutated, metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Cryptococcal endocarditis is an extremely rare clinical entity with only seven reported cases in the literature. Prior cases were seen in patients with a history of rheumatic heart disease or prior valve replacement surgery. Little is known regarding the natural history and optimal management of Cryptococcal endocarditis, given the limited available data. We present a case of Cryptococcal endocarditis and meningitis in a patient with metastatic NSCLC receiving targeted therapy with an EGFR-TKI with no history of significant cardiac disease.