Aspergillus pneumonia successfully treated with itraconazole in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

The case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed pneumonia caused by Aspergillus fumigatus is described. She was treated with itraconazole 200 mg twice daily, with a rapid response. After a follow-up period of 5 years no recurrence of the infection has been detected. To our knowledge this is the first report on the use of itraconazole in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Considering the poor prognosis associated with Aspergillus pneumonia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, we believe that itraconazole constitutes a safe and effective alternative to amphotericin B in these patients.