Opportunistic pulmonary aspergillosis with chest wall invasion. Plain film and computed tomographic findings.
A 37-year-old man with leukemia had the unusual complication of pulmonary aspergillosis eroding through adjacent bone. We were able to demonstrate this on computed tomography (CT) and even on the plain chest film. Bone invasion by an adjacent pulmonary lesion is most often attributed to other organisms or causes. This case demonstrates that aspergillosis must be added to the differential diagnosis of this finding. Recognizing this can be important for the prompt, appropriate treatment of opportunistic infections in the immunocompromised host.
D000328:Adult; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000150:complications; D008172:Lung Diseases, Fungal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012272:Ribs / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed