PARACOCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS - ANATOMIC STUDY WITH COMPLETE AUTOPSIES

Eleven autopsy and 20 biopsy cases of paracoccidioidomycosis were studied; in the latter chest X-rays were required. The gross anatomic features, the tissue reaction, and the morphology of the organisms in the tissue are described. In addition to the positive histologic findings, it is indicated which organs were subjected to microscopic study, a sine qua non recommended for all similar studies. Necropsy revealed some differences from other reports on this disease as regards lung, lymph node, intestinal, and adrenal gland involvement. Tissue reaction was mixed and did not allow type classification. The fungus could be found in pleural effusions. No hepatic or splenic enlargement was observed. Cor pulmonale occurred in more than two-thirds of the cases, and associated diseases were frequent, the latter making clinical and gross diagnosis difficult. A case of disseminated histoplasmosis coexistent with generalized paracoccidioidomycosis showed distinctive findings. This study suggests that the lungs are the portal of entry of this fungus. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.