Rare case of pulmonary histoplasmosis complicated with bronchocentric granulomatosis in a non endemic area.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by histoplasma capsulatum, rarely diagnosed in non endemic areas and/or immunocompromised patients. Complication of pulmonary histoplasmosis with bronchocentric granulomatosis is extremely rare.

CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old man with prolonged fever and nausea was admitted to our hospital. Clinical examination revealed pathological auscultatory sounds to the left lung. Computed tomography was performed and revealed a large solid mass of the left upper lobe, limited pleural and pericardial effusion and calcified lymphadenopathy of mediastinum. A computed tomography guided core biopsy of the lung lesion was performed and three samples were obtained. Culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed Histoplasma capsulatum . Histological findings were compatible with bronchocentric granulomatosis. Extended laboratory investigation excluded immunosuppresion. Our patient although immunocompetent was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis complicated with bronchocentric granulomatosis and treatment with antifungal medication and methylprednisoline started.

CONCLUSION: Description of a rare case of chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis in a non endemic area like Greece, with atypical radiological findings, complicated with bronchocentric granulomatosis.