Imaging Findings in Aspergillosis: From Head to Toe

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by ubiquitous airborne Aspergillus conidia.
• Risk factors include immunodeficiency, allergies, and pre-existing pulmonary disease, with increasing incidence due to transplants and immunosuppressive therapies.
• Clinical presentations range from mild to life-threatening, with potential for extrapulmonary spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the radiological characteristics of pulmonary and disseminated aspergillosis.
• To highlight the importance of radiological findings in clinical management.
• To discuss unexpected extrapulmonary manifestations.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiological findings in aspergillosis.
• Correlation of imaging with clinical context.
• Discussion of chronic, invasive pulmonary, and disseminated disease.

Main Results:

• Radiological findings vary based on disease type (chronic vs. invasive pulmonary, disseminated).
• Extrapulmonary manifestations can occur in disseminated aspergillosis.
• Familiarity with imaging is key for diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Radiological assessment is essential for diagnosing and managing aspergillosis.
• Understanding diverse imaging patterns aids in prompt patient care.
• Early detection of pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease improves outcomes.