Análise das alterações radiográficas pulmonares durante a terapêutica da paracoccidioidomicose

Abstract

Objective: Lung radiographic findings were reviewed to evaluate the differences in the progression of findings along the follow-up of patients with chronic paracoccidioidomycosis treated with a novel second-generation triazole antifungal agent (voriconazole) as compared with patients treated with the drug of choice for treatment of such disease (itraconazole). Materials and Methods: A comparative, randomized study involved the review of chest radiographic images acquired before, during and after treatment of 39 patients divided into two groups: one receiving voriconazole and the other receiving itraconazole. The parameters adopted to describe and to measure lesions present on the radiographic images were based on an adaptation of the method used in cases of another diffuse pulmonary disease, the ILO (International Labour Office) classification of pneumoconioses, dividing the lesions into small and large opacities. Results: The results coincided with previous descriptions regarding lung radiographic findings, and the progression of such findings along the treatment was similar for both groups. Partial regression was observed in the small opacities while large opacities showed a tendency towards complete regression. Conclusion: The adapted ILO classification demonstrated to be useful in the radiographic follow-up along treatment of patients with chronic paracoccidioidomycosis.