Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia: high-resolution CT findings in patients with and without HIV infection

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2012 Jun;198(6):W555-61. doi: 10.2214/AJR.11.7329.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this essay is to review the spectrum of high-resolution CT findings of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in immunocompromised patients with and without HIV infection.

Conclusion: Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is a common opportunistic infection affecting immunosuppressed patients. High-resolution CT may be indicated for evaluation of immunosuppressed patients with suspected pneumonia and normal chest radiographic findings. The most common high-resolution CT finding of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is diffuse ground-glass opacity. Consolidation, nodules, cysts, and spontaneous pneumothorax also can develop.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Pneumocystis carinii / isolation & purification*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / drug therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*