Radiological findings in three acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia

Abstract

Objective To study the imaging appearances of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in three patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS). Methods Thoracic imaging appearances of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in three patients with AIDS were retrospectively analyzed. Results The chest radiograph showed patchy consolidations and small nodules ( n = 3 ), large consolidations with multiple cavitations ( n = 2). CT showed large lobar or segmental consolidations with multiple cavitations (n=2),patchy consolidations (n=2), bronchiectasis (n=1), multiple small centrilobular nodules ( n = 2) and tree-in-bud patterns (n = 2). Conclusion The most common radiological findings in AIDS patients with Rhodococcus equi pulmonary infection are large consolidations with multiple cavitations and multiple centrilobular nodules. Key words: Lung diseases; AIDS-related opportunistic infections; Diagnostic imaging