Pulmonary aspergillosis: an unusual cytologic presentation.
Cytologic identification of Aspergillus is usually based on recognition of hyphal elements; conidia are rarely seen. We report a case of autopsy-proven pulmonary Aspergillosis which was studied antemortem by bronchoalveolar lavage. This mass arose in the clinical setting of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis. The specimen contained numerous conidia, some of which exhibited germination. No hyphae were seen. This unusual cytologic expression of clinically significant fungal disease could be easily overlooked. Distinction of Aspergillus conidia from contaminating pollen is discussed.
Stanley
M W
MW
Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205.
Davies
S
S
Deike
M
M
D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000473:pathology*; D001234:Aspergillus niger / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001344:Autopsy; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008172:Lung Diseases, Fungal / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged