Computed Tomography Findings in Patients With Tracheal Paracoccidioidomycosis

Abstract

To evaluate the high-resolution computed tomographic (CT) findings of patients with tracheal paracoccidioidomycosis. The high-resolution CT scans of 178 patients with pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis were reviewed, and 4 cases of proven tracheal involvement were studied. There were 3 male and 1 female patients, with ages ranging from 44 to 62 years (average, 49.2 years). The CT scans were retrospectively analyzed with special attention to the location of airway lesions, patterns of wall thickening, and occurrence of abnormal adjacent lymph nodes. Images were reviewed by 2 radiologists who reached decisions by consensus. The CT findings were circumferential parietal thickening (n = 4) and irregular (n = 3) or smooth (n = 1), with submucosal nodules (n = 2). Enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were seen in 1 patient. The CT findings in patients with tracheal paracoccidioidomycosis were circumferential irregular thickening of the tracheal wall, with submucosal nodules.