Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
09:52
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Pleural aspergillosis complicated by recurrent pneumothorax: a case report
Weihua Zhang1, Ye Hu, Liang'an Chen
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28th Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, China. xielx@263.net.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|June 23, 2010
Summary
Recurrent pneumothorax can be a rare sign of pleural aspergillosis, a fungal infection. Early diagnosis and treatment with antifungal medication are crucial for managing this condition, especially in patients with chronic lung disease.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pleural aspergillosis is an uncommon fungal infection affecting the pleura.
- Pneumothorax as an initial symptom of pleural aspergillosis is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of recurrent pneumothorax as the primary manifestation of pleural aspergillosis.
- To highlight the importance of considering fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pneumothorax.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 31-year-old asthmatic patient presenting with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax.
- Histopathological examination of pleural tissue to identify Aspergillus species.
- Treatment with oral itraconazole and follow-up assessment.
Main Results:
- Aspergillus was identified in the visceral pleural cavity of the patient.
- The patient received itraconazole 200 mg daily.
- Nine months post-treatment, the patient experienced no recurrence of pneumothorax or Aspergillus infection.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent pneumothorax can be an infrequent presentation of Aspergillus infection.
- Aspergillus species should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with recurrent pneumothorax, particularly those with underlying chronic lung conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
01:13Pleura of the Lungs
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...