Pulmonary manifestations of coccidioidomycosis

Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease seen primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. However, with the advent of mass travel it is being seen increasingly in countries outside the zone where it is endemic. Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, which has a high infectivity, is acquired by inhalation of fungal arthrospores. Its infectivity is increased in immunosuppressed patients, particularly those with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Because of these factors, it is important for radiologists (particularly those practising outside the area of endemicity) to recognize the various manifestations of this disease. The authors review the major clinical syndromes and their radiologic manifestations.