title: Tracheobronchial manifestations of aspergillosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to describe 3 patients each of whom developed a different form of tracheobronchial aspergillosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe our clinical experience with 3 patients who developed significant respiratory symptoms secondary to Aspergillus infection. All patients were followed closely until there was resolution of pulmonary problems or they succumbed to respiratory insufficiency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The first patient had asthma and her clinical and bronchoscopic findings were compatible with the diagnosis of mucoid impaction syndrome caused by Aspergillus. Response to therapy was excellent with complete recovery. The second and third patients had what we believe was tracheobronchial pseudomembranous aspergillosis. The precise reason for this complication in the second patient is unknown. The third patient was immunosuppressed and developed tracheobronchial aspergillosis. Despite aggressive therapy, both of these patients died. Diagnostic bronchoscopy was helpful in detecting the airway abnormalities and for obtaining respiratory specimens for culture.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These cases show the diverse tracheobronchial manifestations of Aspergillus species. Diagnostic bronchoscopy was helpful in the diagnosis of airway involvement by aspergillus.
authors.affiliation: *Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY †Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN.
authors.forename: Neelam
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saleh
authors.forename: Suhail
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raoof
authors.forename: Madhav
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gudi
authors.forename: Liziamma
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Udaya B S
authors.initials: UB
authors.lastname: Prakash