[Treatment of patients with pulmonary aspergilloma with itraconazole]

The study aimed to assess effectiveness of itraconazole in treating pulmonary aspergilloma. Treatment with this triazole derivative was employed in 11 patients with pulmonary aspergilloma. Nine patients underwent a complete 6 month treatment at 200-400 mg dose. The treatment was discontinued in lesions 2 patients who demonstrated progression of lesions. Haemoptysis withdrew in 5 patients, the same number of patients displayed negative fungus culture. Only in 1 patient radiological appearances improved and negative sputum culture as well as cessation of haemoptysis were observed. No significant adverse reactions were reported for any patients. Six months after completion of the treatment haemoptysis recurred in 2 patients, renewed growth of A. Fumigatus was quoted for 3 patients and intensified precipitating test results for 2 patients. Only 1 patient improved within all the required parameters. The results of the conducted study indicate that itraconazole by infiltrating lung cavity inhibits fungus growth on the surface of aspergilloma, which, in isolated cases can lead to aspergilloma necrosis. The results of itraconazole treatment are not sufficiently satisfactory to justify application of itraconazole in routine treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma.