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| Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia |
| Etiology • Parasite found widely |
| Pathogenesis • Organism binds to type 1 alveolar pneumocytes • Proliferates within the alveolus • Results in intralveolar accumulation of proteinaceous material • Mild inflammation of septae • Resolves generally without long term scarring, |
| Epidemiology • Occurs in immunocompromised patients particularly those with human immunodeficiency virus and low CD4 counts |
| General Gross Description • Focal or often diffuse • No air on palpation, firm • Reddish tan |
| General Microscopic Description • Bronchi are unremarkable • Alveoli are filled with pink, foamy material • Parasites stain with silver stains such as Gomori methinamine silver (GMS) and look helmet shaped or like crushed ping-pong balls, 4-6 microns in diameter • May be congestion and mild inflammation in interstitium |
| Clinical Correlation • Present with dyspnea and dry cough • Responds to treatment with antibiotics although difficult to eradicate in immunocompromised patients |
| References • Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 357. |
| Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia |
| Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T28000E43310)[116] |
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