Characteristics and Mortality of Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Patients With Cushing’s Syndrome: A Plea for Timely Initiation of Chemoprophylaxis

Abstract

In patients with Cushing’s syndrome, development of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is associated with extreme cortisol production levels. In this setting, immune reconstitution after abrogation of cortisol excess appears to induce development of symptomatic PCP. The high mortality rate warrants timely initiation of chemoprophylaxis or even preemptive treatment of PCP.