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Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens
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Unilateral adrenal enlargement due to Histoplasma capsulatum

M A Swartz1, R H Scofield, W D Dickey

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|October 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Histoplasma capsulatum can cause adrenal gland enlargement. This study highlights three cases of unilateral adrenal enlargement due to Histoplasma capsulatum diagnosed antemortem, expanding diagnostic considerations.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus causing a spectrum of human infections.
  • Adrenal gland involvement in Histoplasma capsulatum infection can range from asymptomatic to disseminated disease.
  • Diagnosis of serious Histoplasma capsulatum infections often involves CT-guided fine-needle aspiration of enlarged adrenal glands.

Observation:

  • Previously, unilateral adrenal enlargement due to Histoplasma capsulatum was only reported post-mortem.
  • This study presents three cases of unilateral adrenal enlargement caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.
  • These cases were diagnosed antemortem, allowing for timely intervention.

Findings:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum can manifest as unilateral adrenal enlargement.
  • Antemortem diagnosis of unilateral adrenal enlargement due to Histoplasma capsulatum is achievable.
  • CT-guided fine-needle aspiration is a key diagnostic tool.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider Histoplasma capsulatum in the differential diagnosis of unilateral adrenal enlargement.
  • Expanding the differential diagnosis may improve patient outcomes for Histoplasma capsulatum infections.
  • This finding aids in the early detection and management of fungal infections affecting the adrenal glands.

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