Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) Findings in a Patient With AIDS Cholangiopathy and Cryptosporidiosis

AIDS cholangiopathy is a rare condition characterized by intra- and extra-hepatic ductal strictures causing biliary obstruction primarily in individuals with advanced HIV infection and low clusters of differentiation 4 (CD4) count. This case report presents a male patient with a history of HIV, poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and chronic cryptosporidiosis infection, who exhibited clinical and radiological findings consistent with advanced immunocompromise and AIDS cholangiopathy. The patient presented with respiratory symptoms, weight loss, renal dysfunction, and elevated liver enzymes. Imaging studies, including ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), revealed diffuse biliary dilatation and stricturing, indicative of cholangiopathy. Subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stent placement was performed to manage the biliary obstruction. This case highlights the importance of considering AIDS cholangiopathy in HIV patients with poor ART compliance who present with biliary obstruction symptoms or cholestatic liver enzyme abnormalities. Prompt diagnostic evaluation using MRCP or ERCP can aid in confirming the diagnosis and guiding appropriate therapeutic interventions, including endoscopic management and initiation of ART.