Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Lessons From 19 Cases
A 19-case Chinese series shows IPA mainly affects patients with COPD, blood cancers, or steroid use, and early diagnosis and antifungals improve survival.
What Is Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
IPA is a serious lung infection caused by Aspergillus, usually Aspergillus fumigatus. Spores inhaled from the air invade lung tissue in people with weak immunity, causing tissue damage and sometimes respiratory failure.
Who Is At Risk
Most cases occur in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, blood cancers after chemotherapy, or long-term steroid use. Diabetes and older age also raise risk. Even some previously healthy people with bird exposure have been affected.
Common Symptoms
Fever, cough, and sputum are frequent, but not specific. Some patients cough brown-red sputum or blood. Wheezing and breathlessness are common. Because signs overlap with other lung diseases, diagnosis is often delayed.
How It Is Diagnosed
Chest CT, especially high-resolution CT, shows nodules, halo signs, or cavities. Sputum and bronchoscopy fluid are examined for the fungus. Blood tests for galactomannan and beta-D-glucan help. Tissue proof remains the gold standard.
Treatment And Outlook
Antifungal drugs such as voriconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, or caspofungin are used. Surgery may help with massive bleeding or limited residual disease. Death is high, so early treatment matters.
