Adjunctive Role of Pulmonary Angiography in Differentiating Invasive Mold Pneumonia from Bacterial Pneumonia

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

11.0K

Yeon-Joo Choi1, So Yun Lim1, Euijin Chang1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Infection & Chemotherapy
|January 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) can help identify invasive mold pneumonia (IMP) in immunocompromised patients. Vascular invasion signs on CTPA were common in IMP but absent in bacterial pneumonia, aiding diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Invasive mold pneumonia (IMP) is a serious infection in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Differentiating IMP from bacterial pneumonia is crucial for timely and appropriate treatment.
  • Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an imaging technique used to visualize pulmonary vasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of CTPA in detecting vascular invasion in IMP.
  • To assess if CTPA findings can differentiate IMP from bacterial pneumonia in immunocompromised adults.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study over eight years.
  • Involved 25 immunocompromised adult patients.
  • Analyzed CTPA scans for vascular invasion signs in proven/probable IMP and bacterial pneumonia cases.

Main Results:

  • Vascular invasion signs were present in 80% (12/15) of IMP cases.
  • Vascular invasion signs were absent in 0% (0/10) of bacterial pneumonia cases.
  • CTPA demonstrated a significant difference in angioinvasion features between IMP and bacterial pneumonia.

Conclusions:

  • Angioinvasion-related features on CTPA may be a valuable diagnostic adjunct.
  • CTPA can help differentiate IMP from bacterial pneumonia in high-risk populations.
  • Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Keywords:
AspergillosisComputed tomography angiographyDiagnosisFungiMucormycosis

More Related Videos

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology08:01

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology

Published on: March 22, 2012

28.4K
Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways10:06

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways

Published on: December 13, 2024

771

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
756
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan01:13

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan

Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
377
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan01:30

Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan

Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
494
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
3.1K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
467
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
717