Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an acute systemic mycosis caused by a dimorphous fungus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), whose appearance under the microscope is similar to a ship rudder's wheel. Cases of PCM are restricted to the American continent and the disease affects mostly male individuals, with no marked tendency to affect any race in particular. Clinical symptoms are varied. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a thorough epidemiological analysis of 26 cases of PCM evaluated at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ) Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Sector. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical retrospective. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out on 26 medical charts of patients with otorhinolaryngological manifestations of PCM who were attended to from October 1998 to September 2001. Aspects taken into account: sex, age, occupation, number of years of schooling, smoking and drinking habits, main complaints, parts of the body presenting most lesions, the presence of co-infection, complementary examinations done, prescribed treatment. RESULTS: 23 patients (88.5%) were male and 3 (11,5%) were female, their ages ranging from 32 to 72. 11 patients (42.3%) were farm workers and 21 (80.8%) were heavy smokers and/or drinkers. The most affected parts were the epiglottis and the lateral nasal wall. Sulphonamide derivatives were used to treat 14 patients (53.9%) and imidazoles were used for 12 cases (46.1%). DISCUSSION: Pulmonary lesions may be mistaken for tuberculosis due to clinical and radiological similarities. Malnutrition may lead to clinical conditions of extreme gravity. CONCLUSION: The detailed medical histories of PCM carriers reveal important aspects such us the patients' origins and personal habits. Interdisciplinary actions, especially involving doctors and dentists, contribute to an early diagnosis and adequate treatment and follow-up of patients.
Paracoccidioidomycosis; Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; mouth; nose; otorhinolaryngology; stomatology
