Unusual presentations of coccidioidomycosis: a case series and review of the literature

Medicine (Baltimore). 2006 Sep;85(5):263-277. doi: 10.1097/01.md.0000236953.95213.ac.

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is an emerging fungal infection of the southwestern United States. Although Coccidioides species infections are usually asymptomatic or result in a mild, flu-like illness, disseminated disease may occur in 1% of cases. While extrapulmonary disease usually involves the skin, central nervous system, bones, or joints, coccidioidomycosis is a great imitator, with the ability to infect any tissue or organ. Cases may be diagnosed outside of endemic areas, hence providers worldwide should be aware of the broad range of manifestations of coccidioidomycosis. We present a case series of unusual presentations of coccidioidomycosis including serous cavity infections with cases of pericarditis, empyema, and peritonitis, as well as unusual abscesses involving the retropharyngeal space and gluteal musculature. We provide a complete review of the literature and summarize the clinical presentations, diagnoses, and treatments of these rare forms of disseminated coccidioidomycosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Abscess / microbiology
  • Abscess / therapy
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Buttocks
  • Coccidioidomycosis / complications*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / therapy
  • Empyema, Pleural / diagnosis
  • Empyema, Pleural / microbiology
  • Empyema, Pleural / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myositis / diagnosis
  • Myositis / microbiology
  • Myositis / therapy
  • Pericarditis / diagnosis
  • Pericarditis / microbiology
  • Pericarditis / therapy
  • Peritonitis / diagnosis
  • Peritonitis / microbiology
  • Peritonitis / therapy
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / microbiology
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / therapy
  • Tracheostomy

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents