Primary pulmonary sporotrichosis.

A 34-year-old alcoholic and drug addict developed cavitary pulmonary sporotrichosis that progressed slowly during 6 years. Pulmonary resection and pre- and postoperative therapy with amphotericin B were associated with prompt clinical improvement with no evidence of relapse during a 2-year follow-up. Histologic examination of lung revealed granulomatous inflammation with organisms consistent with Sporothrix schenckii, and interstitial talc (magnesium silicate) granulomas. The latter finding was consistent with the history of intravenous drug abuse. Although the presence of silicates in lung enhances the pathogenicity of some microorganisms, the relation of these findings to the pathogenesis of sporotrichosis in our patient is unclear.