Coccidioidomycosis in renal dialysis and transplant patients: radiologic findings in 30 patients

Asymptomatic primary coccidioidal infection is common. After the initial infection is contained, the organism can remain dormant in the body for years. Immunosuppression related to renal transplantation or dialysis may reactivate dormant disease. Thus, symptomatic disease may be seen in those with no known history of previous coccidioidomycosis who have visited endemic areas only briefly. To determine if coccidioidomycosis produces characteristic radiographic findings in renal transplant and dialysis patients, we reviewed the records and radiographs of all patients in either of these two categories who are known to have developed active coccidioidal infection in southern Arizona since 1965. Thirty patients (12 undergoing dialysis and 18 transplant recipients) were identified. We conclude that the radiographic manifestations of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in renal transplant and dialysis patients are highly variable. Interstitial and alveolar patterns of disease are equally likely to occur. Extrathoracic infection without evidence of pulmonary disease occurred in 11 patients (37%), but was radiographically demonstrable only as septic arthritis or perinephric abscess.