Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
10:06

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways

Published on: December 13, 2024

Imaging of pulmonary fusariosis in patients with hematologic malignancies

Edith M Marom1, Andrea M Holmes, John F Bruzzi

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 371, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA. emarom@di.mdacc.tmc.edu

AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|May 22, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pulmonary fusariosis, a severe pneumonia, often presents with nodules or masses on CT scans, unlike chest X-rays. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival in immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Pulmonary fusariosis is an emerging opportunistic mold pneumonia.
  • It is a severe infection often seen in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the radiographic characteristics of pulmonary fusariosis.
  • To correlate imaging findings with patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of CT and chest radiography in 20 patients with pulmonary fusariosis.
  • Analysis of radiographic findings and their association with underlying conditions and survival.

Main Results:

  • Nodules or masses were the most frequent CT finding (82%), compared to chest radiography (45%).
  • Chest radiographs had nonspecific findings in 30% and were normal in 25% of cases.
  • All patients had hematologic malignancies, and 65% died within one month.

Conclusions:

  • Pulmonary fusariosis exhibits imaging features suggestive of angioinvasive mold infection.
  • Early CT and microbiologic investigation are recommended for prompt diagnosis and treatment in high-risk patients.
  • Timely antifungal therapy is critical for improving survival rates.

More Related Videos

Visualization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients07:25

Visualization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Published on: July 16, 2020

A Multimodal Imaging Approach Based on Micro-CT and Fluorescence Molecular Tomography for Longitudinal Assessment of Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Mice07:38

A Multimodal Imaging Approach Based on Micro-CT and Fluorescence Molecular Tomography for Longitudinal Assessment of Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Mice

Published on: April 13, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan01:13

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan

Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan01:30

Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan

Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...