Exudative pleurisy of coccidioidomycosis: a case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common manifestation in primary coccidioides infections (Coccidioides immitis, C. posadasii). It is essential that this endemic dimorphic fungus be considered in order to proceed with the most appropriate diagnostic tools and therapy.


METHODS
We present a rare case of primary pleural coccidioides and a review of the current literature for optimal diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
With increased domestic and international travel, coccidioidomycosis will likely be encountered in nonendemic regions. Recognition by physicians is critical for a timely diagnosis and therapy. Tissue culture can assist in the diagnosis and polymerase chain reaction analysis shows potential as a possible addition.
Afshar
Kamyar
K
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. kafshar@usc.edu
Boydking
Ayana
A
Sharma
Om P
OP