Pulmonary fungal infection: imaging findings in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients

Eur J Radiol. 2006 Sep;59(3):371-83. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2006.04.017. Epub 2006 May 24.

Abstract

Histoplasmosis is the most common endemic mycosis in North America, and is followed by coccidioidomycosis and blastomycosis. Although the majority of these infections in immunocompetent persons are self-limited, some patients can develop severe pneumonitis or various forms of chronic pulmonary infection. Cryptococcoci, Aspergillus, Candidas, and Mucorals are ubiquitous organisms, which may affect immunocompromised patients. Specific imaging findings can be expected, depending on the organisms involved, underlying patients' conditions (immune status), and specific situations after immune depleting procedures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / microbiology*
  • Radiography, Thoracic / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*