Surgical treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma.
Fourteen patients with aspergilloma (fungus ball) were reviewed. Hemoptysis was the major symptom (93%). Chest roentgenograms disclosed a "fungus ball" in every patient, and the mycelia of Aspergillus fumigatus were recovered from all resected specimens. One of three patients treated by pneumonectomy died post-operatively. A lobectomy was performed in ten patients, and segmental resection in one without mortality or significant morbidity. There has been no evidence of recurrence in a follow up of six months to ten years. On the basis of this experience and a review of the literature, excision of a solitary "fungus ball" is recommended when the diagnosis is made. Non-surgical therapy should be reserved for patients whose general medical status or pulmonary reserved prohibit resection.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008172:Lung Diseases, Fungal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011859:Radiography