Radiographic Findings inPneumocystis cariniiPneumonia

Six cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia are presented. Characteristic radiographic findings include perihilar distribution of pulmonary infiltrates and frequent sparing of the peripheral lung fields in the early stages. Unusual findings include initial lobar distribution, pleural effusion, and relative sparing of previously irradiated areas of the lung. This diagnosis should be suspected in any patient with immunologic deficiency who has a diffuse progressive pneumonia. Pentamidine therapy is frequently successful if initiated in the early stages of the disease.