Surgical treatment for chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis: a retrospective study from a single institution

Coccidioidomycosis, caused by the Coccidioides species, is a well-known disease in the Southwestern United States and North Mexico, with scattered reports in Latin America countries. While this disease is still rare in Japan and other Asian countries, its incidence has been increasing over the last two decades. Coccidioides species are highly infectious and require caution when encountered. This study presents a case series of chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis surgically treated at a single institution.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of six patients who underwent lung resection for pulmonary coccidioidomycosis at Chiba University Hospital between January 2007 and December 2021.

All six patients had travelled to the Southwestern United States. Preoperative serology was negative for the anti-Coccidioides antibody in four patients and positive in two. Chest computed tomography revealed a single, well-defined round nodule in all patients. Preoperative biopsy taken from three patients failed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological examination of the resected pulmonary nodules revealed granulomas that contained numerous spherules with many endospores, thereby confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis should be suspected based on travel history and radiological findings. Meticulous care should be taken during specimen processing to prevent cross infection.