Spinal cord compression due to an aspergilloma

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Aspergilloma is typically a saprophytic colonization of pre-existing lung cavities.
• Invasive aspergillosis is uncommon, especially in non-immunocompromised patients.
• Cystic lung diseases predispose individuals to aspergilloma formation.

Observation:

• A patient with stage IV sarcoidosis presented with bilateral aspergillomas.
• The aspergillomas exhibited local invasion.
• This invasive disease resulted in spinal cord compression.

Findings:

• Locally invasive aspergilloma can occur in patients with cystic lung disease and sarcoidosis.
• Invasive aspergilloma can lead to severe complications like spinal cord compression.
• Stage IV sarcoidosis may increase the risk of invasive fungal disease.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for aggressive behavior of aspergilloma, even in non-neutropenic patients.
• Suggests the need for vigilance regarding invasive fungal infections in sarcoidosis patients with aspergillomas.
• Underscores the importance of considering fungal invasion in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord compression in at-risk populations.