A Persistent Cough and an Unexplained Diagnosis
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By
February 2, 2026
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3 min
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1
80-year-old woman presented with cough and weight loss.
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2
Initial treatment for pneumonia was unsuccessful.
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3
Found to have advanced HIV-1 infection.
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4
Diagnosed with P. jirovecii and cryptococcal pneumonia.
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5
High-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fluconazole were provided.
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6
Importance of HIV screening in older patients highlighted.
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7
Patient showed complete resolution of symptoms.
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An 80-year-old woman developed advanced HIV-1 infection, presenting with cough, weight loss, and hypoxemia. Initially treated for community-acquired pneumonia, her symptoms worsened, revealing ground-glass opacities on CT. Subsequent testing confirmed Pneumocystis jirovecii and cryptococcal pneumonia. Treatment included high-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fluconazole, leading to favorable outcomes. This case highlights the critical need for HIV screening in older adults, as many present with advanced disease due to underdiagnosis.
-
1
80-year-old woman presented with cough and weight loss.
-
2
Initial treatment for pneumonia was unsuccessful.
-
3
Found to have advanced HIV-1 infection.
-
4
Diagnosed with P. jirovecii and cryptococcal pneumonia.
-
5
High-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fluconazole were provided.
-
6
Importance of HIV screening in older patients highlighted.
-
7
Patient showed complete resolution of symptoms.
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