Imaging paracoccidioidomycosis: A pictorial review from head to toe

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Paracoccidioidomycosis (PAMC) is a systemic fungal infection endemic to Latin America.
• It primarily affects the lungs but can disseminate to skin, mucosa, and other organs.
• Diagnosis can be challenging, making imaging essential for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the characteristic imaging findings of paracoccidioidomycosis.
• To highlight the role of various imaging modalities in diagnosis and follow-up.
• To aid clinicians in recognizing and assessing complications of PAMC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published studies on paracoccidioidomycosis imaging.
• Analysis of representative imaging findings across different modalities (e.g., radiography, CT, MRI).
• Synthesis of key radiological features associated with pulmonary and extrapulmonary PAMC.

Main Results:

• Pulmonary findings include nodular opacities, reticular patterns, and fibrotic changes.
• Extrapulmonary involvement commonly observed in skin, mucosa, lymph nodes, and adrenal glands.
• Imaging aids in identifying complications such as abscesses and granulomas.

Conclusions:

• Imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of paracoccidioidomycosis.
• Familiarity with characteristic imaging findings improves diagnostic accuracy.
• Radiological assessment is crucial for managing disease progression and complications.