Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Clinical And Imaging Features
A 98-patient study contrasts invasive aspergillosis with simple aspergilloma, showing distinct imaging and lab patterns that guide therapy.
Study Overview
A Chinese hospital reviewed 98 patients with pulmonary aspergillosis, splitting them into invasive disease and simple aspergilloma. Invasive cases were more often febrile and seriously ill, needing combined antifungal therapy.
Invasive Features
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis more often caused cough, sputum, and hemoptysis. Imaging showed multiple lesions, patchy shadows, and cavities, usually thick-walled, sometimes in both lungs. Red cell and hemoglobin levels were lower.
Aspergilloma Features
Simple aspergilloma more often had single-lobe disease and thin-walled cavities. Fever was less common. These patients were more often managed with surgery plus antifungals and tended to have better outcomes.
Diagnosis Tools
CT, especially high-resolution scans, reveals nodules, halos, and cavities. Sputum and bronchoscopy samples are examined for the fungus. Blood galactomannan and beta-D-glucan add useful signals when invasive disease is suspected.
Care Implications
Different aspergillosis types need different plans. Invasive disease demands prompt antifungals and immune support; aspergilloma may need surgery for bleeding. Dynamic reassessment improves results.
