Adiaspiromycosis mimicking widespread malignancy in a patient with pulmonary adenocarcinoma

J L Denson1, C E Keen, P O Froeschle

  • 1Department of Histopathology, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Crownhill, Plymouth, Devon, UK. jem_denson@yahoo.co.uk

Insights

Adiaspiromycosis, a rare fungal infection, was found alongside lung cancer in a UK patient. This case highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in respiratory diagnoses.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pulmonology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Adiaspiromycosis is a rare fungal infection primarily affecting small animals, caused by Emmonsia crescens spores.
  • Human infections are infrequent, with pathological effects varying based on spore load and host immunity.

Observation:

  • A case report details a patient with low-grade pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
  • The patient presented with radiological findings that mimicked widespread malignancy.

Findings:

  • Occult adiaspiromycosis was diagnosed in the patient alongside pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
  • Histological examination was crucial for diagnosing the co-existing conditions.

Implications:

  • This case represents the first reported human adiaspiromycosis in the UK.
  • It underscores the need to consider rare fungal infections in differential diagnoses of pulmonary conditions, especially when radiological findings are atypical.

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