Occurrence of Pneumocystis carinii organisms in a peritoneal effusion from a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
We describe a unique case of Pneumocystis carinii organisms within a peritoneal effusion of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The patient, a 28-yr-old homosexual male with profound immunosuppression, presented with splenomegaly and ascites. A peritoneal tap was performed for diagnostic purposes. Cytologic examination of the cytospin specimen showed reactive mesothelial cells along with aggregates of debris reminiscent of the foamy exudates seen in the alveoli of lungs infected with the Pneumocystis carinii organism. A modified methanamine silver stain was performed and revealed the presence of scattered Pneumocystis carinii in the specimen. Extrapulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection is occasionally seen in AIDS, but we could find no other reports of its detection in peritoneal fluid.
Magliocco
A
A
Department of Pathology, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Miller
K
K
Robertson
D I
DI
Gill
M J
MJ
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016720:Pneumocystis Infections / Q000209:etiology