Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
Alternate Names : PCP, Pneumocystosis
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Diagnosis & Tests
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X-ray of the chest may reveal abnormal lung findings -- yet up to 10% of individuals with PCP in the setting of AIDS may have a normal chest x-ray
- sputum induction: for special stains to detect Pneumocystis carinii
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bronchoscopy (with lavage) -- if sputum induction is negative
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lung biopsy may rarely be needed if the above studies fail to yield a diagnosis
- blood gases which may show decreased oxygen level in blood and helps in determining whether an individual might benefit from corticosteroids
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