Aspergillosis and mucormycosis: two types of opportunistic fungal pneumonia.

Abstract

A temporal sequence of characteristic radiographic abnormalities in aspergillosis and mucormysis, two types of opportunistic pneumonia, is presented. The first manifestation is a rounded pneumonia with irregular margins, which slowly increases in size and sometimes in number. Progression to hemorrhagic pulmonary infarction is common. Nonspecific diffuse pneumonia may develop. Hematogenous dissemination to the lungs from a distant source produces a miliary-nodular pattern. In an immunocompromised patient, this sequence of findings should lead to either appropriate diagnostic procedures or empirical institution of antifungal therapy.