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Histoplasmosis
Alternative Names: Ohio River Valley fever Treatment: The mainstay of therapy for histoplasmosis is antifungal therapy. In the case of pulmonary histoplasmosis, this may include oral agents such as itraconazole or ketoconazole. In disseminated disease -- particularly meningitis -- therapy with intravenous amphotericin is used followed by long-term suppression with an oral agent such as itraconazole. Expectations (prognosis): Text Continues Below Prognosis depends on the clinical syndrome -- mortality is highest in disseminated histoplasmosis (up to 80% without treatment -- decreased to 25% with treatment). Complications: Inflammatory syndromes involving heart lining (pericarditis) joints (arthritis) skin nodules rashes (erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme) Fibrosing mediastinitis -- scarring in the chest that may entrap structures in the chest cavity: lymph nodes heart great vessels esophagus Mediastinal granuloma -- enlarged chest-cavity lymph nodes which may compress structures such as esophagus and lung vessels In individuals with weakened immune systems disseminated disease may occur and involve the meninges (meningitis) Side effects of medications (can be severe with amphotericin) are complications of histoplasmosis. Calling your health care provider: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>