Rapid Progression of Pulmonary Blastomycosis in an Untreated Patient of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract EN

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with a state of immunosuppression characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia as well as B and T lymphocyte dysfunction.

Though opportunistic infections are common in CLL patients, particularly after treatment, reports of infections by endemic dimorphic fungi are very few.

Here we report a case of pulmonary blastomycosis in a CLL patient who initially presented with an indolent pulmonary mass lesion.

The pulmonary lesions progressed rapidly over a two-week period.

The diagnosis was established by transbronchial lung biopsy.

He was treated with Amphotericin B lipid complex followed by oral itraconazole and recovered uneventfully.

This case illustrates the importance of a timely diagnosis and treatment.

The presentation of blastomycosis in immunocompromised patients, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.