Abstract
Background: An endemic fungal infection of the desert southwestern United States, coccidioidomycosis is generally a self-limited illness in healthy persons. Immunosuppressed persons who contract coccidioidomycosis, however, are at increased risk for disseminated infection. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with coccidioidomycosis and hematologic malignancy or bone marrow disease. Results: Fifty-five patients were identified. The most common underlying malignancies were non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Extrathoracic (or disseminated) infection was observed in 12 patients (22%). Fifteen patients (27%) died with active coccidioidomycosis. Treatment of the hematologic disease with corticosteroids or antineoplastic chemotherapy increased the risk of death. Conclusion: To date, this is the largest case series of patients with hematologic malignancy and coccidioidomycosis. In persons with hematologic malignancy, coccidioidomycosis can be a severe illness with a high risk for disseminated infection and death.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 113-117 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Archives of internal medicine |
Volume | 165 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 10 2005 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Internal Medicine