Pulmonary blastomycosis: radiologic manifestations
Blastomycosis, an airborne fungal disease with the lung the portal of entry, is endemic to the central and south central areas of the United States. The disease occurs in patients who range from asymptomatic to acute pneumonia. Retrospective review of 27 cases from our institution revealed four well-defined radiographic patterns including air-space disease, nodular masses, interstitial disease, and cavitation. Air-space disease was the most frequent radiographic pattern in chronic blastomycosis with proved non-pulmonary disease; therefore, it cannot be regarded as indicative of early or acute blastomycosis. There was no relationship between the radiographic pattern and distribution, pulmonary symptomatology, or clinical stage of the disease. Our material does not support the previously suggested association of lower lobe air-space disease with early disease and upper lobe involvement with the chronic and often disseminated form. A more precise understanding of the variety of radiographic patterns and the spectrum of clinical presentations will facilitate diagnosis of pulmonary blastomycosis.
- Research Organization:
- Duke Univ. Medical Center, Durham, NC
- OSTI ID:
- 7014754
- Journal Information:
- Radiology; (United States), Vol. 150:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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