Pulmonary blastomycosis with acute respiratory failure as predominant clinical feature
Mukkamala, R.; Mehta, J.B.; Myers, J.W.; Cole, C.P.
Southern Medical Journal 90(8): 847-850
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0038-4348 PMID: 9258317 Document Number: 471340
Two previously healthy young adults came to our community hospital with rapidly progressive respiratory failure. Investigation confirmed Blastomyces as the responsible etiologic agent. Despite adequate antifungal chemotherapy and intensive supportive care, both patients died, one within 24 hours and the other after 14 days. Overwhelming infection with Blastomyces dermatitidis can cause acute respiratory failure, possibly the adult respiratory distress syndrome, even in immunocompetent hosts.