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09:52
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
An aspergilloma in an echinococcal cyst cavity
1Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Thoracic Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey. dr.caydemir@gmail.com
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
|August 12, 2006
Summary
Aspergilloma, a fungal infection, can develop in lung cavities after hydatid cyst surgery if the cavity is not fully closed. This case highlights the risk of opportunistic infections like aspergilloma in residual cavities.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Aspergilloma typically colonizes preexisting lung cavities from diseases like tuberculosis or lung cancer.
- It can rarely occur in cavities from operated hydatid cysts.
Observation:
- A patient developed an aspergilloma in a residual cavity after surgery for a giant hydatid cyst.
- The residual cavity expanded, leading to reoperation where purulent fluid and necrotic tissue were found.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed aspergilloma within the cavity.
- The resected lung segment showed chronic organized pneumonia and interstitial fibrosis.
Implications:
- Failure to surgically obliterate (capitonnage) large hydatid cyst cavities extending to the hilum increases the risk of opportunistic infections.
- This case underscores the importance of complete cavity management after hydatid cyst surgery to prevent complications like aspergilloma.
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