Related Experiment Videos
A case of endobronchial aspergilloma
1Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Pulmonary aspergillosis may be classified under three categories, depending upon whether the host is atopic or immunocompromised: invasive aspergillosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) or aspergilloma. However, it is not always possible to effectively categorize this disease. We experienced a case of endobronchial aspergilloma, which was difficult to categorize, in a healthy male patient. The chest X-ray and computed tomography showed an ill-defined nodule mimicking lung cancer. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed an aspergilloma without cavity formation in the left lower laterobasal segmental bronchial orifice. The aspergilloma was removed and the patient's symptoms were relieved. We present this unusual case with a review of the literature.
Insights
Pulmonary aspergillosis can be hard to classify. This case highlights an endobronchial aspergilloma in a healthy patient, mimicking lung cancer but successfully treated.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Mycology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pulmonary aspergillosis presents challenges in classification, typically categorized as invasive aspergillosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), or aspergilloma based on host immunity.
- Accurate categorization is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment strategies.
Observation:
- A case of endobronchial aspergilloma was observed in a healthy male patient, presenting diagnostic difficulties.
- Radiological imaging (chest X-ray and CT) revealed an ill-defined nodule, suspicious for lung cancer.
- Fiberoptic bronchoscopy identified an aspergilloma within the left lower laterobasal segmental bronchial orifice, notably without cavity formation.
Findings:
- The endobronchial aspergilloma was successfully removed via bronchoscopy.
- The patient experienced complete symptom relief following the intervention.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering less common presentations of pulmonary fungal infections, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Endobronchial aspergilloma, when presenting as a lung nodule, requires careful diagnostic evaluation to differentiate from malignancy.
- Successful surgical or bronchoscopic removal can lead to favorable patient outcomes.