Multiple pulmonary cavities--an unusual complication of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Cavitation is a most unusual radiological feature of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Autopsy evidence of cavities in PCP is poorly documented. We describe a case of fatal PCP occurring in a patient with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome; the PCP was associated with radiological as well as autopsy evidence of large intrapulmonary cavities. These cavities are ascribed to Pneumocystis carinii infection, since other possible causes were excluded.