Spectrum of cryptococcal manifestations in a young male with human immunodeficiency virus.

We present the case of a young male with human immunodeficiency virus and a history of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy who developed cryptococcal meningitis. This case highlights the diverse medical and clinical presentations of central nervous system cryptococcosis in an immunocompromised individual from a radiology perspective. CT and MR imaging demonstrated basal ganglia enhancement and leptomeningeal involvement, characteristic of this pathogen. This report underscores the significance of advanced imaging modalities, in particular MRI, in diagnosing cryptococcal meningitis. Additionally, other manifestations of cryptococcus, including within the thorax, are highlighted in the same patient. The combination of these findings, along with confirmatory cerebral spinal fluid analysis, are crucial to the rapid initiation of an appropriate antifungal regimen for treatment.

Diagnostic Radiology Fellowship Applicant Selection Criteria: A Survey of Program Directors.

Introduction In this study, we aimed to investigate the importance of various characteristics used by diagnostic radiology subspecialty fellowship programs when selecting candidates for their fellowship programs. Methods An online survey was sent to program directors from multiple radiology fellowship programs in the United States. Multiple questions were asked, including applicant gender, personal statement, interview performance, research experience, United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) performance, and residency program attended. Survey recipients were asked to rank these characteristics from least to most important.  Results A total of 119 responses were collected (response rate of 26.2%), with a relatively balanced representation of the different subspecialties. An aggregate analysis of all the subspecialties showed interview performance, letters of recommendation, and residency program attended as the three most important factors considered by the program directors when selecting a candidate for their fellowship program. In contrast, the three least important factors were gender, prior subspecialty training, and minority status. The applicant's visa status, personal statement, and USMLE Step 3 performance were the only statistically significant (p<0.05) differences between the subspecialties. The women's and body imaging subspecialties rated the personal statement more important than musculoskeletal imaging and neuroradiology. Cardiothoracic and musculoskeletal imaging rated the applicant's visa status more important than neuroradiology. Women's and cardiothoracic imaging rated USMLE Step 3 performance as more important than musculoskeletal imaging. Conclusion Selecting the ideal candidate for a fellowship in radiology can be difficult. Our findings outline which applicant characteristics program directors believe are the most and least important when selecting an ideal candidate. For instance, personal characteristics such as interview performance and letters of recommendation are more valued than extracurricular activities such as research experience. Identifying these characteristics provides a better understanding of the fellowship application process and may guide future applicants.