The treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma.
Aspergillomas are fungal balls within lung cavities. The natural history of patients affected is variable. Hemoptysis is a dangerous sequela. Factors associated with a poor prognosis have been defined and therapy is difficult because of the lack of a blood supply. Randomized trials are lacking. Surgical treatment is definitive but many patients are ineligible. Percutaneous therapy and bronchial artery embolization is appropriate for some patients and itraconazole has produced favorable results in several studies.
Judson
M A
MA
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-2220, USA.
Stevens
D A
DA
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001229:Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D001981:Bronchial Arteries; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D006801:Humans; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole