Cytologic diagnosis of extrapulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection in pleural and ascitic fluid. Report of a case in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Abstract

We present a case of an extrapulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient undergoing prophylactic treatment with pentamidine. The diagnosis was established in pleural and ascitic fluid, and the patient died before starting specific systemic treatment. We discuss the cytologic differences between pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections and the importance of careful screening for this pathogen in immunosuppressed patients.

• Authors: G Peiró-Cabrera, E Lerma-Puertas, E Esteva de Llobet, P de las Heras-Durán, P Muñoz-Anatol, A Carreras-Marcer
• Journal: Acta cytologica (Acta Cytol) 1994 Jul-Aug Vol. 38 Issue 4 Pg. 608-10 ISSN: 0001-5547 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 8042433 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Pentamidine

Topics

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (diagnosis, microbiology)
• Adult
• Ascites
• Female
• Humans
• Immunocompromised Host
• Pentamidine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Pleural Diseases (diagnosis)
• Pneumocystis Infections (diagnosis)