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CT manifestations of pulmonary aspergillosis
1Department of Radiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., Canada.
Abstract:
The clinical and radiologic manifestations of pulmonary aspergillosis depend on the underlying status of the patients' lung parenchyma and the patients' immunologic response to the infecting agent, most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus. Thus, many different manifestations of pulmonary aspergillosis have been described, with distinct clinical, pathological, and radiological characteristics. Aspergillomas (mycetomas) result from Aspergillus colonization of preexisting lung cavities. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis results from a hypersensitivity reaction to the fungus in asthmatic patients. Invasive aspergillosis occurs in immunocompromised patients and can take one of many forms, depending on the degree and etiology of the patients' immunosuppression. CT is currently the best imaging modality for the assessment of pulmonary parenchymal disease. In the correct clinical setting, the CT findings frequently suggest a specific diagnosis. The aim of this review is to discuss and illustrate the various CT manifestations of pulmonary aspergillus infection.
Insights
Pulmonary aspergillosis presents diverse clinical and radiologic findings based on patient immunity and lung health. This review details computed tomography (CT) imaging features of various Aspergillus lung infections.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus, primarily Aspergillus fumigatus.
- Clinical and radiologic manifestations vary significantly based on host immune status and underlying lung conditions.
- Distinct forms include aspergillomas, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and invasive aspergillosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and illustrate the diverse computed tomography (CT) manifestations of pulmonary aspergillosis.
- To correlate CT findings with specific clinical presentations and etiologies of Aspergillus infection.
- To highlight the utility of CT in diagnosing pulmonary aspergillosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on pulmonary aspergillosis.
- Analysis of clinical, pathological, and radiological characteristics of different forms of the infection.
- Emphasis on computed tomography (CT) imaging findings.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary aspergillosis exhibits varied manifestations, including aspergillomas, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and invasive aspergillosis.
- CT is the primary imaging modality for assessing pulmonary parenchymal disease in aspergillosis.
- Specific CT patterns can suggest a diagnosis in the appropriate clinical context.
Conclusions:
- CT imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing and characterizing pulmonary aspergillosis.
- Understanding the spectrum of CT findings is essential for effective patient management.
- The review illustrates key CT features to aid clinicians in identifying pulmonary Aspergillus infections.