Pulmonary blastomycosis during pregnancy: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Blastomycosis rarely presents in pregnancy. Pregnancy is a state of partial immunodeficiency that predisposes to blastomyces infection, especially in endemic areas. Blastomycosis in pregnancy has been reported in a few female patients and their offspring. We are reporting a 32-year-old pregnant patient at 34 weeks of gestation who presented with a lung mass. The cytopathological exam of the biopsy taken by fine needle aspiration showed evidence of Blastomyces organisms. She received Liposomal Amphotericin B and was followed closely until delivery. The placenta was examined and did not show evidence of infection in the fetus. Healthcare professionals in endemic areas such as Tennessee should be aware of blastomycosis in pregnancy.