| Abstract | OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the chest CT findings of immunocompetent patients with primary pulmonary cryptococcosis and to evaluate the utility of CT-guided percutaneous biopsy in the diagnosis. METHODS: Chest CT scans of 12 immunocompetent patients with biopsy-proven primary pulmonary cryptococcosis were analyzed for the number of lesions, morphologic characteristics, distribution of parenchymal abnormalities, and the presence of lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion. Lung specimens were obtained by CT guided percutaneous biopsy (n = 9) and/or surgical resection (n = 7). A pulmonary pathologist reviewed the specimens. RESULTS: The main manifestations were classified into two patterns. Localized multiple mixed lesions (nodules and/or masses and/or consolidation) were found in 67% (8/12) of the cases, and single nodules were found in 33% (4/12). Associated findings included air bronchograms (n = 9), cavity (n = 2), and CT halo sign (n = 4). Lung specimens were obtained by CT guided percutaneous biopsy in 9 cases, of which 7 (78%) were confirmed by pathology. Seven cases recovered after treatment with fluconazole, but cryptococcal meningitis occurred in 1 case 5 month after single excision. CONCLUSIONS: Chest CT findings of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients have a predominant pattern of localized multiple mixed lesions. CT guided percutaneous biopsy is helpful in confirming the diagnosis. Fluconazole is effective in the treatment of pulmonary cryptococcosis in these patients. |
| Authors | Hong-Jie Hu, Pan Zhou, Ji-Bo Hu, Li-ping Deng, Shi-zheng Zhang, Ke-jing Ying
(Affiliation: Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China. hongjiehu at zju.edu.cn)
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| Journal | Zhonghua nei ke za zhi [Chinese journal of internal medicine]
(Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi)
Vol. 45
Issue 9
Pg. 721-4
(Sep 2006)
ISSN: 0578-1426 China |
| PMID | 17166444
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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