Fungal pneumonia: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Line 38: Line 38:
{{WS}}
{{WS}}


==Pathophysiology & Etiology==
Fungi typically enter the lung with inhalation of their spores, though they can reach the lung through the bloodstream if other parts of the body are infected. Also, fungal pneumonia can be caused by reactivation of a latent infection. Once inside the alveoli, fungi travel into the spaces between the cells and also between adjacent alveoli through connecting pores. This invasion triggers the immune system to respond by sending white blood cells responsible for attacking microorganisms (neutrophils) to the lungs. The neutrophils engulf and kill the offending organisms but also release cytokines which result in a general activation of the immune system. This results in the fever, chills, and fatigue common in bacterial and fungal pneumonia. The neutrophils and fluid leaked from surrounding blood vessels fill the alveoli and result in impaired oxygen transportation.
===Etiologic agent===
Specific instances of fungal infections that can manifest with pulmonary involvement include:
*[[Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia]]
*[[Histoplasmosis]], which has primary pulmonary lesions and hematogenous dissemination
*[[Coccidioidomycosis]], which begins with an often self-limited respiratory infection (also called "Valley fever" or "San Joaquin fever")
*[[Pulmonary blastomycosis]]
*[[Sporotrichosis]] - primarily a lymphocutaneous disease, but can involve the lungs as well
*[[Cryptococcosis]] - contracted through inhalation of soil contaminated with the yeast, it can manifest as a pulmonary infection and as a disseminated one
*[[Aspergillosis]], resulting in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
*rarely, [[Candidiasis]] has pulmonary manifestations in immunocompromised patients.


==Risk Stratification and Prognosis==
==Risk Stratification and Prognosis==

Revision as of 18:42, 7 September 2012

Pneumonia Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Pneumonia from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria

Diagnostic Algorithm

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Chest X Ray

CT

Other Imaging Findings

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Fungal pneumonia On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Fungal pneumonia

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Fungal pneumonia

CDC onFungal pneumonia

Fungal pneumonia in the news

Blogs on Fungal pneumonia

Directions to Hospitals Treating Pneumonia

Risk calculators and risk factors for Fungal pneumonia

For patient information click here

Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Philip Marcus, M.D., M.P.H.[2]

Overview

Historical Perspective

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Pneumonia from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Prognosis predictor scores: CURB-65 | Pneumonia severity index | Criteria for severe community acquired pneumonia

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Chest X Ray | CT

Treatment

Site of care decision | Medical Therapy | Other treatments consideration | Prevention | Management of non-responding pneumonia

Template:WH Template:WS


Risk Stratification and Prognosis

Case mortality in fungal pneumonias can be as high as 70% in immunocompromised patients, though immunocompetent patients generally respond well to anti-fungal therapy.

Treatment

Fungal pneumonia can be treated with antifungal drugs and sometimes by surgical debridement.

References

Template:WH Template:WS

Retrieved from "https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php?title=Fungal_pneumonia&oldid=729583"