Page Contents
WHAT IS IT?
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) refers to a pneumonia that is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii.
WHAT IS THE INTIAL PRESENTATION FOR THIS CONDITION?
Patient Issues/Chief Complaints:
- Acute respiratory failure: hypoxia, dry cough, fever
Detection On Medical Studies:
WHAT ARE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY?
Risk Factors:
- Immunosuppression: post-transplant patients
CLINICAL WORKUP: IMAGING
Chest X-Ray: features of PCP often include:
- Bilateral and diffuse interstitial infiltrates
CLINICAL WORKUP: MICROSCOPY
Because Pneumocystis jirovecii can not be cultured in the laboratory, respiratory samples are examined using specialized stains and microscopy (to aid in the diagnosis of PCP)
Induced sputum:
Bronchoalveolar lavage:
WHAT IS OUR THRESHOLD FOR DIAGNOSIS?
ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS
This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.
Page Updated: 02.09.2017