Correct!
4. The rash associated with coccidioidomycosis is called erythema nodosum

The rash is called erythema nodosum and as discussed above is associated with a number of lung disorders. It is immunologic reaction and does not represent cutaneous infection and does not need specific treatment. Coccidioidomycosis can be observed as long as the infection is localized to the lungs but can be treated with fluconazole or amphotericin B in cases of dissemination (1). Coccidioidomycosis is very common in Arizona accounting for as many as one-third of pneumonias (2).

Our patient's coccidioidomycosis serology returned a few days later and was positive. He was begun on therapy with fluconazole and his rash quickly resolved. Therapy is planned for about 3 months.

References

1. Limper AH, Knox KS, Sarosi GA, Ampel NM, Bennett JE, Catanzaro A, Davies SF, Dismukes WE, Hage CA, Marr KA, Mody CH, Perfect JR, Stevens DA; American Thoracic Society Fungal Working Group. An official American Thoracic Society statement: Treatment of fungal infections in adult pulmonary and critical care patients. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2011;183(1):96-128. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
2. Hector RF, Rutherford GW, Tsang CA, Erhart LM, McCotter O, Anderson SM, Komatsu K, Tabnak F, Vugia DJ, Yang Y, Galgiani JN. The public health impact of coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2011;8(4):1150-73. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Home/Pulmonary