Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in Immunocompetent Patients: CT Findings.
10.12701/yujm.2004.21.1.74
- Author:
Jae Kyo LEE
1
Author Information
1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea. jklee@med.yu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Computed tomography (CT);
Cryptococcosis;
Immunocompetent patient
- MeSH:
Biopsy;
Biopsy, Needle;
Cough;
Cryptococcosis*;
Dyspnea;
Female;
Humans;
Lymphatic Diseases;
Male;
Pleural Effusion;
Radiography, Thoracic;
Sputum;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- From:Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine
2004;21(1):74-81
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To evaluate the computed tomography (CT) findings of pulmonary cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of 25 patients with biopsy-proven cryptococcosis [surgery (n=3), percutaneous needle biopsy (n=21), and bronchoscopic biopsy (n=1) ] were analyzed. Thirteen patients were men and 12 patients were women, with a mean age of 53.7 years. Presenting symptoms were cough, sputum, and dyspnea and 12 patients presented with incidentally found chest radiographic abnormalities. RESULTS: Nodule or multiple conglomerate nodules (n=10, 40%) and segmental or lobular consolidation (n=9, 36%) were most common, followed by mixed patterns (n=5, 20%). Predilection sites were lower lobe (n=21/37, 57%) and subpleural areas (n=23, 92%). Air bronchograms within consolidations (n=11/14, 79%) with mild volume loss (n=10/14, 71%) were common. While interlobular septal thickening (n=11, 44%) and cavitation or central low-attenuations (n=11, 44%) were relatively common, lymphadenopathy (n=2, 8%) or free pleural effusions (n=1, 4%) were uncommon. CONCLUSION: Nodules or airspace consolidation with a predilection of lower lobe and subpleural area are the most common appearances of pulmonary cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients.
