Chronic necrotising pulmonary aspergillosis: an uncommon aetiology of pneumothorax

François-Pierrick Desgranges1, Romain Hernu1, François Philit2

  • 1Department of Réanimation Médicale, Groupement Hospitalier Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France.

BMJ Case Reports
|September 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pneumothorax can arise from lung cavitation. This case shows chronic necrotising pulmonary aspergillosis mimicking tuberculosis, leading to pneumothorax, especially in corticosteroid users.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Pneumothorax is a common emergency department admission, often caused by air leakage into the pleural space.
  • Pulmonary cavitary lesions can present with diverse etiologies, sometimes mimicking infectious processes like tuberculosis.
  • Inhaled corticosteroid use is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic fungal infections.

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