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Necrotizing pneumonia caused by Penicillium chrysogenum
D D'Antonio1, B Violante, C Farina
1Servizio di Microbiologia Clinica del Dipartimento di Ematologia ed Oncologia, Ospedale Santo Spirito, Pescara e Cattedra di Ematologia, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 17, 1997
Summary
This study details the first reported case of necrotizing pneumonia caused by Penicillium chrysogenum in a lung cancer patient. Successful treatment involved itraconazole and a second surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lung cancer treatment can involve surgery, potentially leading to complications.
- Fungal infections can occur in immunocompromised individuals or post-surgery.
- Penicillium chrysogenum is a common mold, typically not pathogenic in humans.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old woman, post-lung cancer surgery, developed necrotizing pneumonia.
- The residual right lower pulmonary lobe showed infiltration by Penicillium chrysogenum.
- This represents the first documented instance of pneumonia caused by P. chrysogenum.
Findings:
- Necrotizing pneumonia was confirmed to be caused by Penicillium chrysogenum.
- The patient underwent a successful second pulmonary right lobectomy.
- Oral itraconazole therapy proved effective in treating the fungal infection.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential pathogenicity of Penicillium chrysogenum in specific clinical settings.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering rare fungal pathogens in post-operative pneumonia.
- Suggests itraconazole as a potential treatment for Penicillium chrysogenum pneumonia.