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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

Adverse drug events complicate antifungal therapy for pulmonary aspergilloma

Amy Pakyz1, Gonzalo Bearman

  • 1Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Pharmacy, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0533, USA. apakyz@vcu.edu

The Consultant Pharmacist : the Journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
|November 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary aspergilloma treatment can be challenging due to antifungal drug side effects. This case highlights managing adverse events with triazole antifungals in an immunocompromised patient.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Aspergillus species cause invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals and saprophytic conditions like pulmonary aspergilloma.
  • Triazole antifungal agents (itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole) are primary medical therapies for pulmonary aspergilloma.
  • Azole antifungals carry risks of drug-drug interactions and adverse events.

Observation:

  • A 68-year-old patient with a history of lung cancer surgery developed pulmonary aspergilloma.
  • Initial voriconazole treatment led to agitation and hallucinations.
  • Subsequent itraconazole therapy exacerbated congestive heart failure.

Findings:

  • The patient was switched to posaconazole after experiencing adverse events with voriconazole and itraconazole.
  • Medication regimen adjustments were made to mitigate potential drug-drug interactions.
  • The patient was discharged on posaconazole for a 3-6 month treatment course.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the complexities of managing pulmonary aspergilloma with triazole antifungals.
  • Careful monitoring for adverse events and drug interactions is crucial.
  • Individualized treatment adjustments are necessary for optimal patient outcomes.

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