Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis. A prospective study of 26 patients
Smith, J.W.; Utz, J.P.
Annals of Internal Medicine 76(4): 557-565
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4819 PMID: 4640314 Document Number: 53328
The clinical, laboratory and histopathological features of the cases are discussed. Diagnosis was proved by culturing Histoplasma capsulatum from bone marrow and blood in most cases, or by culturing tissues such as oral lesions, lymph nodes or liver. Serological studies and skin tests were considerably less valuable. Liver involvement was a prominent feature in most cases. Anaemia and thrombocytopenia and pulmonary abnormalities were present in half the patients and renal abnormalities and oral mucosal lesions in slightly less than half. Less common manifestations included meningitis, endocarditis, adrenal insufficiency and gastrointestinal and cutaneous lesions. Amphotericin B therapy was effective in most patients, but relapses occurred in half of those with favourable response.