Exclusively Tracheobronchial Paracoccidioidomycosis: A Rare Presentation

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic granulomatous mycosis endemic to Latin America, is primarily associated with agricultural activities and soil contact.
• The causative agent, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, typically affects the lungs and can disseminate to other organs.

Observation:

• A novel case of PCM presenting with symptoms exclusively localized to the tracheobronchial tree is described.
• This presentation is unusual as PCM commonly involves broader pulmonary or disseminated disease patterns.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination confirmed granulomatous inflammation consistent with PCM within the tracheobronchial tree.
• No evidence of disseminated disease or involvement of other organ systems was found.

Implications:

• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Paracoccidioidomycosis.
• It highlights the importance of considering PCM in the differential diagnosis of tracheobronchial diseases, even in the absence of typical disseminated symptoms.
• Further research may be warranted to understand the specific factors leading to this localized presentation.