Rapid Progression of Pulmonary Blastomycosis in an Untreated Patient of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

• Main Authors: Pralay K. Sarkar, Paras Malhotra, P. S. Sriram
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2014-01-01
• Series: Case Reports in Medicine
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/514382

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with a state of immunosuppression characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia as well as B and T lymphocyte dysfunction. Though opportunistic infections are common in CLL patients, particularly after treatment, reports of infections by endemic dimorphic fungi are very few. Here we report a case of pulmonary blastomycosis in a CLL patient who initially presented with an indolent pulmonary mass lesion. The pulmonary lesions progressed rapidly over a two-week period. The diagnosis was established by transbronchial lung biopsy. He was treated with Amphotericin B lipid complex followed by oral itraconazole and recovered uneventfully. This case illustrates the importance of a timely diagnosis and treatment. The presentation of blastomycosis in immunocompromised patients, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.