CXR Case 012

There are bilateral perihilar infiltrates and consolidation.

This is most likely Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia (PJP)

Pneumocystis jiroveci is a yeast like fungus that causes pneumonia in the immune suppressed.

* In this case the patient had finished treatment for lymphoma >2 years ago, but had stayed on dexamethsone 3 times a week. *

Diagnosis can be on characteristic clinical grounds, although isolation of the organism or positive PCR from induced sputum or brochoscopy is more desirable.

The term ‘PCP‘ is equally valid, although refers to when the causative organism was thought to be pneumocystis carinii, which in fact only affects pigs.