Cryptococcosis manifesting as isolated biliary infection: Case report and brief review of literature

Abstract

Background: Biliary cryptococci infection is rare, which is frequently diagnosed by exploratory laparotomy, preoperative diagnosis is difficult.

Case presentation: A 14-year-old girl presented with intermittent jaundice for 6 years. She had no pruritus, anorexia, nausea or vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, or clay stools. Laboratory tests showed obstructive jaundice, eosinophilia, and increased IgE levels. The patient was ultimately diagnosed as Cryptococcal infection by bone marrow culture. The patient responded to antifungal therapy.

Conclusion: Unnecessary surgical intervention was avoided by an early and accurate diagnosis. Cryptococcosis infection of bile duct should be highly suspected, when the children with obstructive jaundice have eosinophilia and increased IgE levels.

Keywords: Biliary; Cryptococci infection; Eosinophilia; Increased IgE.