Recurrent pulmonary cryptococcosis during chronic HBV infection: A case report

RATIONALE: Pulmonary cryptococcosis is one of the important opportunistic infections and has a wide range of symptoms depending on the underlying conditions. Here, we reported a case living with chronic hepatitis B virus infection who had a recurrent pulmonary cryptococcosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 51-year-old male patient was admitted to our center because of cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath for 2 weeks. DIAGNOSIS: Pulmonary infection was suggested by chest computed tomography. Most lab examinations for infection were negative and only cryptococcal antigen testing was positive. Therefore, a clinical diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis was made. INTERVENTIONS: Fluconazole (200 mg/day) and bicyclol (50 mg/day) was given orally. OUTCOMES: During the follow-up of 3 and 6 months, his conditions improved, and he recovered fully. Moreover, cryptococcal antigen level was 12.57 ng/mL. During the 2-year follow-up, no recurrence occurred. LESSONS: This case highlights the importance of the awareness of opportunistic infections during chronic hepatitis B virus infection, especially the potential of recurrence.