Isolated biliary cryptococcosis manifesting as obstructive jaundice in an immunocompetent adult

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a symptomatic fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus, which frequently occurs in patients who are immunologically compromised or chronically ill. Localized involvement of the hepatobiliary system in an immunocompetent adult is extremely rare. We report a unique case of isolated biliary cryptococcosis manifesting as obstructive jaundice and mimicking hilar cholangiocarcinoma in an immunocompetent woman. By integrating surgical and antifungal drug therapy, the disease was effectively controlled. Despite an increasing incidence of biliary malignancies, hepatobiliary surgeons and gastroenterologists must maintain a high index of suspicion for other rare possibilities of non-specific biliary inflammation.© Ivyspring International Publisher.