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Blastomycosis of the lung: CT features
H T Winer-Muram1, D H Beals, F H Cole
1Department of Radiology, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.
Radiology
|March 11, 1992
Summary
Computed tomographic (CT) scans reveal common abnormalities in pulmonary blastomycosis, including mass lesions and consolidation. Recognizing these CT findings aids in early diagnosis and may prevent unnecessary surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pulmonary blastomycosis is a fungal infection that can present with varied radiologic findings.
- Accurate interpretation of imaging is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality for evaluating lung diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristic computed tomographic (CT) abnormalities in patients with pulmonary blastomycosis.
- To correlate CT findings with disease presentation (acute vs. chronic).
- To highlight the utility of CT in diagnosing pulmonary blastomycosis and avoiding misdiagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans from 16 patients diagnosed with pulmonary blastomycosis.
- Detailed analysis of imaging features including mass lesions, consolidation, nodules, and other findings.
- Correlation of radiologic findings with clinical presentation and disease course.
Main Results:
- Common CT findings included mass lesions (14/16), consolidation (9/16), air bronchograms (14/16), and nodules (12/16).
- Satellite lesions, pleural thickening, effusions, and cavitation were also observed.
- Consolidation was more frequent in acute disease; generally, no strong correlation existed between CT findings and clinical presentation.
Conclusions:
- CT demonstrates characteristic abnormalities in pulmonary blastomycosis.
- Familiarity with these CT findings can facilitate prompt diagnosis.
- Recognizing CT patterns may help prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical interventions for conditions like lung cancer.