Biliary cryptococcosis in a child: MR imaging findings

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Cryptococcosis is a systemic fungal infection, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
• Commonly presents with central nervous system, pulmonary, or cutaneous manifestations.
• Hepatobiliary system involvement is exceptionally rare in cryptococcosis.

Observation:

• A rare case of disseminated cryptococcosis occurred in an immunocompetent child.
• The child's clinical presentation was primarily characterized by biliary and lymph nodal involvement.
• Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging was utilized to visualize the affected areas.

Findings:

• MR imaging revealed characteristic signs of disseminated cryptococcosis.
• The findings demonstrated unusual involvement of the hepatobiliary system and lymph nodes.
• This presentation deviated from the typical organ systems affected by cryptococcosis.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of cryptococcosis presentations in pediatric populations.
• Highlights the importance of considering cryptococcosis even in immunocompetent hosts with atypical symptoms.
• Emphasizes the utility of advanced imaging techniques like MR in diagnosing rare infectious diseases.