CHSU Discovery

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to the southwestern United States, caused by Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii (1). While often self-limiting, presentation maybe variable, particularly in diabetic and immunocompromised patients (2,3). We present a case of Coccidioides pneumonia with lung abscess rupture, empyema, and hydropneumothorax requiring surgical intervention, emphasizing the importance of early fungal recognition and the role of incidental radiographic findings in systemic disease diagnosis.