ABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the correlation between CT appearances and pathological findings at acute stage pulmonary candidiasis in rabbits. Methods: Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. Rabbits in the experimental group were inoculated with Candida albicans via percutaneous trachea puncture and those in the control groups were injected with normal saline via the same way. Chest CT scans were performed every other day from the day the inoculations were completed. The scan results were controlled with the pathological findings. Results: Pulmonary candidiasis model were confirmed in 13 rabbits. The early CT appearance of pulmonary candidiasis was found from the second day to the tenth day after inoculation. We found consolidation in 10 cases, including 6 sublobe consolidation (intra-alveolar exudates) and 4 lobe or section consolidation (pulmonary infarct or hemorrhage). Ground-glass attenuation (hemorrhage or exudates) was found in 6 cases and often coincided with other CT signs. Nodules were found in 3 cases and often found surrounding the bronchovascular bundle (granulomatous inflammation). Conclusion: Consolidation is the major CT findings of primary pulmonary candidiasis at acute stage, followed by ground-glass attenuation and nodules. Various signs can occur simultaneously with no specificity.