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Updated: May 2, 2026
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Pulmonary diseases with imaging findings mimicking aspergilloma
Fernando Ferreira Gazzoni1, Luiz Carlos Severo, Edson Marchiori
1Medical Imaging Research Lab - Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Professor Annes Dias Street, 295, Porto Alegre, RS, 90560-005, Brazil, gazzoni4@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Patients with preexisting lung cavities are at risk of developing intracavitary fungal colonization. Because Aspergillus spp. are the most commonly implicated fungi, these fungal masses are called aspergillomas. Their characteristic "ball-in-hole" appearance, however, may be found in a variety of other conditions that can produce radiologic findings mimicking aspergilloma. In this paper, we review the main diseases that may mimic the radiographic findings of aspergilloma, with brief descriptions of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic findings.
Insights
Aspergillomas are fungal infections in lung cavities, often caused by Aspergillus. This review covers conditions that mimic the characteristic "ball-in-hole" appearance of aspergillomas on imaging.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Mycology
Background:
- Patients with lung cavities are susceptible to fungal colonization.
- Aspergillus species are the most common cause of these fungal masses, termed aspergillomas.
- The classic "ball-in-hole" radiographic finding is not exclusive to aspergillomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diseases that radiographically mimic aspergilloma.
- To differentiate aspergilloma from other conditions with similar imaging findings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of diseases presenting with a "ball-in-hole" sign.
- Analysis of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features.
Main Results:
- Several conditions can present with imaging findings similar to aspergilloma.
- Differential diagnoses include [list key differentials if available in abstract, otherwise state general finding].
Conclusions:
- Radiographic findings suggestive of aspergilloma require careful evaluation to exclude mimics.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on integrating clinical, imaging, and pathological data.
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