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Cavitary pulmonary cryptococcosis complicated by aspergilloma
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|April 1, 1975
Summary
This study details a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in an office worker, confirmed by sputum analysis and antibody tests. Surgical intervention was necessary due to the destructive nature of the fungal infection and treatment failure.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Pleuritic chest pain can indicate serious pulmonary conditions.
- Fungal infections like cryptococcosis pose diagnostic challenges.
- Pulmonary abscesses require prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis.
- To highlight diagnostic methods for fungal lung infections.
- To discuss treatment outcomes for destructive pulmonary mycosis.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic imaging (roentgenogram) for pulmonary lesions.
- Microbiological analysis of sputum smears for fungal elements.
- Immunological testing (indirect fluorescent antibody test).
- Antifungal therapy (amphotericin) and surgical intervention (lobectomy).
Main Results:
- A 31-year-old office worker presented with pleuritic pain and left lower lobe abscesses.
- Cryptococci were identified in sputum, leading to a clinical diagnosis of cryptococcosis.
- Amphotericin therapy was unsuccessful.
- Lobectomy confirmed destructive cryptococcosis with co-infection by Aspergillus.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary cryptococcosis can present with destructive abscesses.
- Combined diagnostic approaches are crucial for identifying fungal lung infections.
- Surgical resection may be required for refractory or destructive fungal pneumonia.