Mycetomas in pulmonary sarcoidosis: non-surgical management

The course and prognosis of all patients with mycetomas in the setting of pulmonary sarcoidosis from 1960 to 1978 were reviewed. Twelve patients were identified. All patients were managed conservatively without surgery or antifungal agents. Three patients died; however, only one death could be attributed to the presence of a mycetoma and all deaths were associated with severe pulmonary insufficiency. Episodes of both major and minor hemoptysis were managed successfully with supportive therapy alone in the remaining nine patients. Survival after the diagnosis of a mycetoma was 10-14 years in three patients, 5-7 years in three patients and 3-4 years in three patients. All nine surviving patients have required corticosteroids for control of their underlying sarcoidosis. Extracavitary invasive disease due to Aspergillus organisms was not seen in this group. In the setting of chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis with mycetoma formation, fatal hemoptysis is infrequent and episodes of hemorrhage may be safely managed with supportive medical therapy alone.