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Blastomycosis: pulmonary and pleural manifestations
P J Failla1, F P Cerise, G H Karam
1Department of Medicine, Earl K. Long Medical Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70805, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Pulmonary blastomycosis presents with diverse symptoms and imaging results, including uncommon pleural effusions. This review highlights the varied clinical presentations of this systemic fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pulmonary blastomycosis is a serious systemic fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to its varied clinical and radiographic presentations.
- Understanding the spectrum of disease is crucial for timely and effective treatment.
Observation:
- Seven diverse cases of pulmonary blastomycosis were analyzed.
- Radiographic findings varied widely, including parenchymal disease, mass-like lesions, and pleural effusions.
- Two cases presented with significant pleural effusions, a less commonly reported feature.
Findings:
- The cases demonstrated a broad spectrum of pulmonary blastomycosis manifestations.
- Endobronchial blastomycosis was observed in one patient.
- Elevated pleural fluid total protein was noted in patients with significant pleural effusions.
Implications:
- These findings underscore the significant variability in pulmonary and pleural blastomycosis.
- Recognizing diverse presentations is key for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of pleural involvement may be warranted.