Pulmonary cannonballs in a patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Abstract

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) remains one of the most common and life-threatening complications in patients with AIDS. PJP typically presents subacutely with a dry cough, shortness of breath with exertion, fever, and bilateral ground-glass opacities on imaging. However, atypical imaging findings have been reported including cysts, isolated lymphadenopathy, and small to large nodules. This case highlights the importance of considering unusual presentations of a relatively common entity in order to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

• Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
• Cannonballs
• HIV
• AIDS