Female genital coccidioidomycosis

Three cases of coccidioidomycosis of the female genital tract are reviewed. The diagnosis was made by laparotomy in 2 patients who presented with tender adnexal masses, and by endometrical curettage in a third patient with disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Hysterectomies were performed in all 3 patients; 1 had a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and the others a bilteral salpingectomy and unilateral oophorectomy. Two patients received chemotherapy with amphotericin B. One patient died 4 years after her operation from disseminated and meningeal coccidioidomycosis. In a female patient who has resided in an endemic region and who presents with pelvic pain of obscure origin, unexplained infertility, a menstrual disorder, or a chronic, refractory pelvic inflammatory disease, genital coccidioidomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.