Some Clinical and Radiographic Features of Gastrointestinal Histoplasmosis

Abstract

In 5 cases of disseminated histoplasmosis some clinical and radiographic observations were made on gastrointestinal lesions manifesting as severe abdominal processes. Four patients evidenced widespread pulmonary histoplasmosis. The radiographic findings in 3 in whom barium studies were obtained simulated infiltrating superficially ulcerated carcinomas. The protean manifestations of histoplasmosis, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, are emphasized. In the presence of a radio-graphic pucture consistent with a gastrointestinal malignant tumor associated with chronic pulmonary infiltrates,a high index suspicion by the clinical, the radiologist, and the surgeon complemented with adequate investigation will result in a greater diagnostic accuracy.