Histoplasmosis. A review, and account of three patients diagnosed in Great Britain

Histoplasmosis of kidneys presenting as chronic recurrent renal disease

Histoplasmosis is a well-known infectious disease that can sometimes run a mysterious and unexpected course. A case is reported that presented as a chronic renal process, with right pyelocutaneous fistula and prolonged purulent discharge as well as focal calcifications of the left kidney with recurrent stone formation. Histopathologic examination of the right kidney, removed in 1975, showed noncaseating granulomas, but the precise diagnosis was not made until 1983, when histopathologic re-examination followed partial resection of the left kidney, for recurrent stone formation. This article emphasizes the difficulty in diagnosing a noncaseating granulomatous disease in general and histoplasmosis in particular, especially when the urogenital tract is involved, with isolated local manifestations. It underlines the progressive and damaging character of this chronic disease, the variety of its manifestations, and attempts to increase awareness of this potentially treatable disease.

Bilateral adrenal masses

Images

Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis in an irishman

Images

Disseminated histoplasmosis presenting with oral lesions - report of a case

A case of disseminated histoplasmosis is presented in which the initial diagnosis was made on the histology from oral lesions. The clinical and microscopical differential diagnoses are discussed. Including the present case, 12 of the 13 subjects with disseminated histoplasmosis initially diagnosed in Great Britain have given a history of residence in an area where the disease is endemic. Many years of good health may intervene between the original infection and its subsequent reactivation. A diminished cellular immune response may precipitate this reactivation but could also facilitate the possibility of exogenous reinfection. The literature is reviewed.

Disseminated histoplasmosis successfully treated with amphotericin B

A 61-year-old woman presented with malaise, intermittent fever, weight loss, and epigastric pain. Histoplasma capsulatum was eventually isolated from a liver biopsy and from the bone marrow and the patient was successfully treated with amphotericin B.