Aspergillus Nodule in a Patient With Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (APAP) is a rare lung disease.
• APAP is occasionally linked to infections, but evidence is limited.
• Solitary pulmonary nodules are common findings requiring differential diagnosis.

Observation:

• A middle-aged male with a history of APAP presented with a growing right upper lobe nodule.
• The nodule increased from 8 mm to 12 mm over six months.
• Initial imaging raised suspicion for malignancy.

Findings:

• Pathological analysis confirmed an Aspergillus nodule.
• No malignant features were identified.
• This case demonstrates a co-occurrence of Aspergillus infection and APAP.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of potential complications in APAP patients.
• It underscores the importance of considering infectious etiologies, such as Aspergillus, in APAP patients with lung nodules.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to avoid unnecessary oncological interventions.