Female genital coccidioidomycosis

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Gynecology

Background:

• Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection endemic to specific regions, can rarely affect the female reproductive system.
• Symptoms may include pelvic pain, infertility, menstrual irregularities, or chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring invasive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cases of female genital coccidioidomycosis.
• To highlight diagnostic methods and treatment outcomes.
• To emphasize the importance of considering this diagnosis in at-risk populations.

Main Methods:

• Review of three patient cases with female genital coccidioidomycosis.
• Diagnostic procedures included laparotomy and endometrial curettage.
• Surgical interventions such as hysterectomy and oophorectomy were performed.
• Treatment involved chemotherapy with amphotericin B.

Main Results:

• Two cases diagnosed via laparotomy due to adnexal masses.
• One case diagnosed via endometrial curettage with disseminated disease.
• All patients underwent hysterectomy; varied salpingo-oophorectomy procedures were performed.
• One patient succumbed to disseminated and meningeal coccidioidomycosis four years post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Female genital coccidioidomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for women residing in endemic areas presenting with unexplained pelvic symptoms.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical and medical interventions, are essential.
• Vigilance is required due to potential for severe disseminated disease and mortality.