Charles A. Brasher

The course and prognosis of histoplasmosis.

Abstract An analysis of 123 culturally proved cases of histoplasmosis is presented. The cases have been divided by clinical types and analyzed separately. Several pertinent observations concerning the prognosis of this infection emerge from the data: 1.(1) Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis is a benign infection in most instances. Although the number of such cases included in this compilation are small, they were all clinically severe and all patients are now in good health. 2.(2) Acute progressive histoplasmosis, often referred to as disseminated histoplasmosis, has a poor prognosis. There is clinical evidence of dissemination beyond the lungs to other organs. Included in this group are patients with seemingly isolated mucous membrane lesions. Such cases are usually fatal within one year although an occasional patient does survive. 3.(3) Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis is characterized by cavities in the upper lobes. This form of the disease characteristically progresses gradually over several years, although remissions and exacerbations may occur. The prognosis is poor if the patients are not treated.

Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis as seen in adults

Abstract Of 530 patients with a diagnosis of active histoplasmosis, twenty-five had progressive disseminated disease. This review deals with the clinical course, histologic and histochemical features of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis. The efficacy of treatment with amphotericin B is attested to by the fact that mortality in the untreated group was 100 per cent and in the adequately treated group only 7 per cent.

Peritonitis Due to Histoplasmosis

Abstract Histoplasmosis can produce disseminated lesions similar to those of tuberculosis. Peritonitis due to histoplasmosis may be important in the diagnosis of peritoneal disorders. The woman rep...