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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Pulmonary aspergillosis presenting with recurrent haemoptysis
Blas Y Betancourt1, Adrian C Garofoli1, Jagbir S Sandhu2
1Department of Medicine, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York and New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Pulmonary aspergillosis presents with a variety of clinical forms including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, chronic necrotising aspergillosis, aspergilloma, chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Haemoptysis is a devastating complication of pulmonary aspergillosis and a common indication for surgery. We report a case of a 54-year-old man with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus, who presented with productive cough and haemoptysis for 2 months. Chest CT revealed a 30 mm diameter soft tissue mass in the upper lobe of the right lung. Haemoptysis subsided with conservative measures, but 2 weeks later the patient developed a new episode of persistent haemoptysis, which was only partially controlled with bronchial arterial embolisation. He underwent right upper and middle lobectomy. Histology examination confirmed the presence of a fungal cavitary lesion. The patient was started on voriconazole, and recovered with no recurrence at 18 months follow-up.
Insights
Pulmonary aspergillosis can cause severe bleeding (hemoptysis). This case highlights surgical management of a fungal lung cavity causing persistent hemoptysis, with successful recovery after voriconazole treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Pulmonary aspergillosis encompasses diverse clinical presentations.
- Hemoptysis is a serious complication, often necessitating surgical intervention.
- Fungal lung infections can mimic other pathologies, complicating diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old male with prior tuberculosis and diabetes presented with persistent cough and haemoptysis.
- Chest CT identified a soft tissue mass, and initial conservative treatment failed to resolve recurrent, severe haemoptysis.
Findings:
- Despite bronchial arterial embolisation, persistent haemoptysis required right upper and middle lobectomy.
- Histopathology confirmed a fungal cavitary lesion, treated successfully with voriconazole.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in patients with risk factors and recurrent haemoptysis.
- Aggressive management, including surgery and targeted antifungal therapy, can achieve favorable outcomes in complex pulmonary aspergillosis cases.
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