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Chest Imaging

Candidiasis, pulmonary

Of all Candida species C. albicans is probably the species most frequently responsible for pulmonary infections. This fungus is frequently found as a saphrophyte in humans, typically in the gastrointestinal tract. When infection occurs it is typically seen in the oropharynx, vagina and skin. Pneumonia is generally restricted to immunosuppressed patients who have most probably aspirated organisms from infected oropharyngeal sites. Aspiration produces a bronchopneumonia with scattered heterogeneous opacities identified on chest films. Pleural effusion may accompany the lung involvement. If disseminated disease occurs, diffuse bilateral nodular opacities, occasionally with cavitation, may be noted. Hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy are uncommon.

This disease should be suspected in patients with immunosuppression who have positive sputum and blood cultures for Candida. Definite diagnosis may require identifying the fungus in biopsy specimens.

PGO