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Updated: May 16, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Tracheobronchial manifestations of aspergillosis
Neelam Patel1, Anthony Saleh, Suhail Raoof
1*Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY †Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN.
Objective:
The purpose of this article is to describe 3 patients each of whom developed a different form of tracheobronchial aspergillosis.
Methods:
We describe our clinical experience with 3 patients who developed significant respiratory symptoms secondary to Aspergillus infection. All patients were followed closely until there was resolution of pulmonary problems or they succumbed to respiratory insufficiency.
Results:
The first patient had asthma and her clinical and bronchoscopic findings were compatible with the diagnosis of mucoid impaction syndrome caused by Aspergillus. Response to therapy was excellent with complete recovery. The second and third patients had what we believe was tracheobronchial pseudomembranous aspergillosis. The precise reason for this complication in the second patient is unknown. The third patient was immunosuppressed and developed tracheobronchial aspergillosis. Despite aggressive therapy, both of these patients died. Diagnostic bronchoscopy was helpful in detecting the airway abnormalities and for obtaining respiratory specimens for culture.
Conclusions:
These cases show the diverse tracheobronchial manifestations of Aspergillus species. Diagnostic bronchoscopy was helpful in the diagnosis of airway involvement by aspergillus.
Insights
This study details three cases of tracheobronchial aspergillosis, highlighting varied clinical presentations and the diagnostic utility of bronchoscopy in identifying Aspergillus airway infections.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Tracheobronchial aspergillosis is a serious fungal infection affecting the airways.
- Aspergillus species can cause diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from mild to life-threatening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe three distinct cases of tracheobronchial aspergillosis.
- To illustrate the varied presentations and outcomes of Aspergillus airway infections.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing the clinical experience with three patients.
- Inclusion of diagnostic bronchoscopy for airway assessment and specimen collection.
- Close patient monitoring until pulmonary problem resolution or respiratory failure.
Main Results:
- One patient with asthma experienced mucoid impaction syndrome due to Aspergillus, with excellent therapeutic response.
- Two patients developed tracheobronchial pseudomembranous aspergillosis; one immunosuppressed, the other with unknown risk factors.
- Despite aggressive treatment, the latter two patients succumbed to respiratory insufficiency.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus species can manifest in diverse ways within the tracheobronchial tree.
- Diagnostic bronchoscopy is a valuable tool for identifying airway involvement by Aspergillus.
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