Acute respiratory failure associated with pulmonary cryptococcosis in non-AIDS patients

Citation
Ra. Vilchez et al., Acute respiratory failure associated with pulmonary cryptococcosis in non-AIDS patients, CHEST, 119(6), 2001, pp. 1865-1869
Citations number
10
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems","Cardiovascular & Hematology Research
Journal title
CHEST
ISSN journal
00123692 → ACNP
Volume
119
Issue
6
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1865 - 1869
Database
ISI
SICI code
0012-3692(200106)119:6<1865:ARFAWP>2.0.ZU;2-V
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the incidence of acute respiratory failure (ARF) in n on-AIDS patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC). Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Ph. Subjects: All patients in whom PC without HN infection was diagnosed betwee n February 1989 and March 1999. Results: Thirty-three patients with PC were identified, and 11 of those pat ients (33%) developed ARF and comprised the study group. Underlying disease s included solid-organ transplant recipients (seven patients; 64%) and othe r underlying medical conditions (four patients; 36%), The most common sympt oms were cough, shortness of breath, and temperature elevation. Extrapulmon ary involvement was seen in six patients (meningitis, four patients; perito nitis, one patient; laryngeal mass, one patient), Six of the 11 patients (5 5%) died. Conclusion: ARF may develop in one third of non-AIDS patients with PC, This clinical syndrome is associated with the dissemination to extrapulmonary s ites and high mortality rates. PC should be recognized as a possible cause of respiratory failure in non-AIDS patients.