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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
Published on: December 13, 2024
[Lung cavities, mycetomas and hemoptysis]
Wolfgang Domej1, Josef Hermann, Robert Krause
1Infektologie und Klinische Abteilung für Pulmonologie, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Osterreich. wolfgang.domej@meduni-graz.at
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|November 22, 2007
Summary
Pulmonary mycetomas, or fungus balls, are fungal masses in lung cavities. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for severe hemoptysis, with alternative procedures for high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pulmonary mycetomas, or fungus balls, are fungal masses within lung cavities.
- They are typically caused by Aspergillus species colonizing damaged lung tissue.
- Hemoptysis is the most common presenting symptom.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and management of pulmonary mycetomas.
- To discuss treatment options for severe hemoptysis caused by fungus balls.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pulmonary mycetomas.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, causative agents, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary mycetomas do not invade lung tissue but fill cavitary lesions.
- Antifungal agents have uncertain efficacy.
- Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for severe hemoptysis in eligible patients.
Conclusions:
- Resectional surgery, such as lobectomy or pneumonectomy, is recommended for severe hemoptysis from pulmonary mycetomas.
- Cavernostomy and cavernoplasty are viable alternatives for high-risk individuals due to the mortality associated with extensive pulmonary resection.
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