Noninvasive Aspergillus pulmonary disease.
Noninvasive Aspergillus pulmonary disease may be the result of a host response to Aspergillus antigens or colonization of the lung with Aspergillus species. The prototype example of each of these phenomena are allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and aspergilloma. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is a form of asthma associated with a Type I, III, and IV allergic response to Aspergillus antigens. It presents clinically as asthma but is also associated with bronchiectasis, airway destruction, and permanent lung injury if inadequately treated. Treatment consists of anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids. Antifungal agents may also be useful to lower the fungal antigen load. Aspergillomas grow in areas of devitalized lung. They may manifest as asymptomatic radiographic abnormalities. The concern is that they may lead to hemoptysis that can be life threatening. Definitive treatment is surgical resection, but this is often prohibited because these patients often have inadequate lung function to tolerate thoracic surgery. Other treatment options include azoles and percutaneous instillation of antifungals.
Judson
Marc A
MA
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. judsonma@MUSC.edu