To describe the most relevant radiologic manifestations of pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis. To understand the clinical and epidemiologic features of paracoccidioidomycosis. To perform a proper differential diagnosis in order to establish the best possible therapeutic approach.

Etiologic agent and pathogenesis Paracoccidioidomycosis is caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii, thermally dimorphic fungi believed to be soil saprophytes. In its mycelial form, Paracoccidioides spp produces infectious propagules known as microconidia that reach the alveoli after being inhaled; once in the lungs, they interact with pulmonary macrophages and convert into a yeast form[1]. The latter form produces the appearance typically described in...

Radiological findings in patients with the chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis are very diverse and there is frequently a combination of patterns such as reticular and nodular opacities, airspace consolidation, cavities and fibrotic lesions showing a tendency for bilateral and symmetrical distribution [6]and usually involving more than one third of the lungs (Fig. 2); however, pleural effusion and pulmonary calcifications are seldom observed. A discrete predominance in the middle lung...

Paracoccidioidomycosis is the most common systemic mycosis in Latin America. Although lungs are the primary target of this disease, its polymorphic presentation represents a challenge both for clinicians and radiologists; however, proper recognition of imaging patterns along with identification of epidemiological risk factors may allow to reach a correct diagnosis. Accordingly, radiologists play a very important role in the management of these patients since an early diagnosis facilitates a...

Dr. Jhonathan Reina Resident in training.Department of Radiology, Universidad de Antioquia. Medellín, colombia. Email: juonasre@gmail.com Dr. Maria Fernanda Saldarriaga Resident in training.Department of Radiology, Universidad de Antioquia. Medellín, colombia. Email: mafesa90@gmail.com Dr. Tatiana Suárez Radiology assistant professor.Department of Radiology, Universidad de Antioquia. Medellín, colombia. Email:tatisuarez@hotmail.com

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