1
|
Cho JS, Kim JJ, Jeong SY, Lee YS, Kim M, Park SJ, Koh MJ. Pseudomembranous Aspergillus Tracheobronchitis: Case Report of a Rare Manifestation of Airway Invasive Aspergillosis. TAEHAN YONGSANG UIHAKHOE CHI 2022; 83:737-743. [PMID: 36238520 PMCID: PMC9514528 DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2021.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus tracheobronchitis, an uncommon form of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, is characterized by the development of a pseudomembrane, ulcers, or an obstruction that is predominantly confined to the tracheobronchial tree. Pseudomembranous Aspergillus tracheobronchitis is the most severe form of Aspergillus tracheobronchitis, and only a few cases have been reported in Korea. We report the characteristic chest CT findings in a patient diagnosed with pseudomembranous Aspergillus tracheobronchitis after bronchoscopy and successfully treated by proper antifungal treatment.
Collapse
|
2
|
Porzionato A, Stocco E, Emmi A, Macchi V, De Caro R. Case Report: Sudden Fatal Hemorrhage in Ulcerative Fungal Laryngotracheitis-A Pediatric Case Report. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:764027. [PMID: 35087772 PMCID: PMC8787292 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.764027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report, we describe an autopsy case of a child affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia and opportunistic pulmonary aspergillosis. The patient died because of a full-thickness tracheal wall ulceration with right inferior thyroid artery lesion and sudden hemorrhage, likely ascribable to undiagnosed invasive Aspergillus laryngotracheitis. Aspergillus infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients, should be considered an urgent risk factor to manage as it may lead to sudden fatal events in absence of evident critical symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Porzionato
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Stocco
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Aron Emmi
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee SY, Nguyen P, Chapman S. Invasive tracheal aspergillosis after chemoradiotherapy treatment. Respirol Case Rep 2019; 7:e00473. [PMID: 31406579 PMCID: PMC6685346 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis is a rare disease with most reported cases in the literature occurring in immunocompromised hosts. We report an unusual case of a patient with persistent cough and dyspnoea in the context of prior chemoradiotherapy for primary lung cancer. Chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an abnormal soft tissue mass surrounding the trachea and carina, with focal moderate fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) activity on positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Bronchoscopic biopsy revealed fungal hyphae associated with necrosis and cartilage invasion, subsequently confirmed to be Aspergillus fumigatus complex. The patient was commenced on antifungal therapy promptly and had a good clinical response to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shok Yin Lee
- Department of Thoracic MedicineRoyal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Phan Nguyen
- Department of Thoracic MedicineRoyal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Sally Chapman
- Department of Thoracic MedicineRoyal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kwon OK, Lee MG, Kim HS, Park MS, Kwak KM, Park SY. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after influenza a infection in an immunocompetent patient. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2013; 75:260-3. [PMID: 24416058 PMCID: PMC3884115 DOI: 10.4046/trd.2013.75.6.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis has emerged as a major cause of life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Recently, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who have been receiving corticosteroids for a long period, and immunocompetent patients in the intensive care unit have been identified as nontraditional hosts at risk for invasive aspergillosis. Here, we report a case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after influenza in an immunocompetent patient. The patient's symptoms were nonspecific, and the patient was unresponsive to treatments for pulmonary bacterial infection. Bronchoscopy revealed mucosa hyperemia, and wide, raised and cream-colored plaques throughout the trachea and both the main bronchi. Histologic examination revealed aspergillosis. The patient recovered quickly when treated systemically with voriconazole, although the reported mortality rates for aspergillosis are extremely high. This study showed that invasive aspergillosis should be considered in immunocompetent patients who are unresponsive to antibiotic treatments; further, early extensive use of all available diagnostic tools, especially bronchoscopy, is mandatory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oh Kyung Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Myung Goo Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hyo Sun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Min Sun Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Kyoung Min Kwak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - So Young Park
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fernández-Ruiz M, Silva JT, San-Juan R, de Dios B, García-Luján R, López-Medrano F, Lizasoain M, Aguado JM. Aspergillus tracheobronchitis: report of 8 cases and review of the literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 2012; 91:261-273. [PMID: 22932790 DOI: 10.1097/md.0b013e31826c2ccf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus tracheobronchitis (AT) is an infrequent but severe form of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in which the fungal infection is entirely or predominantly confined to the tracheobronchial tree. We reviewed 8 cases of AT diagnosed in our tertiary care center during an 18-year period, as well as 148 cases previously reported in the English literature from 1985 to July 2011. The demographic, clinical, imaging, bronchoscopic, and outcome characteristics of every eligible patient were excerpted, and predictors of inhospital mortality were identified by logistic regression. Solid organ transplantation (SOT) (44.2%), hematologic malignancy (21.2%), neutropenia (18.7%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (15.4%) were the most common underlying conditions reported. Most cases occurred in patients receiving long-term corticosteroid treatment (71.8%) or chemotherapy (25.0%). Fever and respiratory complaints (cough, dyspnea, stridor, or wheezing) were the most frequent symptoms; one-third of patients developed acute respiratory distress at presentation, and 15.1% were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Initial imaging studies were not informative in 47.4% of the cases. Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species (74.4%). The pseudomembranous form was the most commonly observed (31.9% of cases) and was more frequent in neutropenic patients (p = 0.007), whereas ulcerative AT (31.2%) was associated with SOT (p = 0.001). The most frequent antifungal monotherapy regimens were amphotericin B deoxycholate (23.1%) and itraconazole (18.6%), whereas combined therapy was administered in 35.9% of the cases. Overall inhospital mortality was 39.1%, with neutropenia (odds ratio [OR], 20.47; p < 0.001) and acute respiratory distress at presentation (OR, 9.54; p = 0.002) as independent prognostic factors. Our pooled analysis of the literature shows that AT remains a rare opportunistic infection with a nonspecific presentation and a variable course depending on the nature of the predisposing factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Fernández-Ruiz
- From the Unit of Infectious Diseases (MFR, RSJ, BdD, FLM, ML, JMA), Instituto de Investigación Hospital "12 de Octubre" (i+12), and Department of Pneumology (RGL), Hospital Universitario "12 de Octubre," Madrid; and Department of Internal Medicine (JTS), Hospital Infanta Cristina, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Badajoz, Badajoz, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Krenke R, Grabczak EM. Tracheobronchial manifestations of Aspergillus infections. ScientificWorldJournal 2011; 11:2310-29. [PMID: 22194666 PMCID: PMC3236535 DOI: 10.1100/2011/865239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human lungs are constantly exposed to a large number of Aspergillus spores which are present in ambient air. These spores are usually harmless to immunocompetent subjects but can produce a symptomatic disease in patients with impaired antifungal defense. In a small percentage of patients, the trachea and bronchi may be the main or even the sole site of Aspergillus infection. The clinical entities that may develop in tracheobronchial location include saprophytic, allergic and invasive diseases. Although this review is focused on invasive Aspergillus tracheobronchial infections, some aspects of allergic and saprophytic tracheobronchial diseases are also discussed in order to present the whole spectrum of tracheobronchial aspergillosis. To be consistent with clinical practice, an approach basing on specific conditions predisposing to invasive Aspergillus tracheobronchial infections is used to present the differences in the clinical course and prognosis of these infections. Thus, invasive or potentially invasive Aspergillus airway diseases are discussed separately in three groups of patients: (1) lung transplant recipients, (2) highly immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies and/or patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and (3) the remaining, less severely immunocompromised patients or even immunocompetent subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Krenke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumonology and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Karnak D, Avery RK, Gildea TR, Sahoo D, Mehta AC. Endobronchial Fungal Disease: An Under-Recognized Entity. Respiration 2006; 74:88-104. [PMID: 16864987 DOI: 10.1159/000094708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2006] [Accepted: 04/13/2006] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Most fungi enter the human body via inhalation; however, endobronchial fungal infection (EBFI) seems to be a rare manifestation compared to pulmonary or systemic disease. This presentation seems to be related to environmental factors as well as to the host status. With the increasing popularity of flexible bronchoscopy, it is being recognized with a higher frequency. Bronchoscopic findings in EBFI vary from mild mucosal inflammation to central airway obstruction. We searched English literature related to the topic and found 228 total cases of EBFI: Aspergillus species (121), Coccidioides immitis (38), Zygomycetes (31), Candida species (14) Cryptococcus neoformans (13), and Histoplasma capsulatum (11). We have also included a single case of endobronchial Pseudallescheria boydii infection in a lung transplant recipient that has not been reported previously. Most patients were immunocompromised, exhibited systemic manifestations of the primary infection, and responded to appropriate therapy. EBFI should be included in the differential diagnosis of any form of airway lesions in immunocompromised patients, especially among residents from the endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Demet Karnak
- Department of Chest Diseases, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey, and Department of Chest Medicine, KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Piérard GE, Arrese JE, Quatresooz P. Comparative Clinicopathological Manifestations of Human Aspergillosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1159/000089608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
9
|
Tasci S, Glasmacher A, Lentini S, Tschubel K, Ewig S, Molitor E, Sauerbruch T, Lüderitz B, Rabe C. Pseudomembranous and obstructiveAspergillustracheobronchitis - optimal diagnostic strategy and outcome. Mycoses 2006; 49:37-42. [PMID: 16367817 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2005.01180.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomembranous and obstructive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis (PMATB/OATB) are still considered to be refractory to therapy and to have a fatal outcome. To evaluate the optimal diagnostic strategy and to describe factors affecting the outcome of PMATB and OATB. Retrospective analysis of four new cases of PMATB and OATB combined with 16 previously reported cases over a 10-year period (1995-2004). Among the four new cases reported and the 16 published cases, four patients survived their infection. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the group of ventilated patients [94% (15 of 16 patients)] than in the group of non-ventilated patients [25% (1 of 4 patients), P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test]. In all 20 patients, diagnosis was established by bronchoscopy. Culture examination of mucous plugs was positive in 8 of 10, culture of the tracheobronchial aspirate was positive in 8 of 12, and bronchoalveolar lavage was diagnostic in 7 of 13 patients. All bronchoscopic techniques were complementary in improving the yield of bronchoscopy. However, microscopy of mucous plugs and/or necrotic material was the best diagnostic modality [positive in 94% (17 of 18 patients)]. Prognosis of PMATB and OATB remains poor. Microscopy of respiratory specimens is the most sensitive tool to confirm the diagnosis. The characteristic appearance of the disease makes it possible to start antifungal therapy immediately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selçuk Tasci
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Bonn, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schirrmeister H, Hetzel M, Hetzel J, Habig T, Schumann C, Bommer M, Blum P, von Beauvais H, Babiak A. Challenging manifestations of malignancies. Case 3. Fibrinous tracheitis: an uncommon manifestation of Hodgkin's lymphoma. J Clin Oncol 2004; 22:3642-3. [PMID: 15337814 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
11
|
Gianni C, Romano C. Clinical and Histological Aspects of Toenail Onychomycosis Caused by Aspergillus spp.: 34 Cases Treated with Weekly Intermittent Terbinafine. Dermatology 2004; 209:104-10. [PMID: 15316163 DOI: 10.1159/000079593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2003] [Accepted: 03/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-dermatophytic onychomycoses represent 1.45-17.6% of all fungal nail infections. Epidemiological studies have shown that Aspergillus spp. are emerging fungal agents of toenail onychomycosis. Indeed, after Scopulariopsis spp. the genus Aspergillus is the second most common agent of non-dermatophytic onychomycosis. The diagnosis and treatment of toenail onychomycosis caused by non-dermatophyte moulds are not always straightforward. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to describe the clinical appearance of toenail onychomycosis due to Aspergillus spp., to investigate the pathogenetic role of these agents and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of weekly intermittent terbinafine (500 mg/day for 1 week each month for 3 months) in the treatment of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Mycological study of 2,154 patients with onychodystrophy revealed 1,228 onychomycoses (57%) including 71 cases due to non-dermatophytic fungi (5.6%). Non-dermatophytic onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus spp. represented 2.6% of all onychomycoses. The subjects were 34 patients (22 females, 12 males, age range 30-82 years) observed between September 1999 and December 2001, with toenail onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus spp. confirmed by standard techniques (microscopic examination and culture according to the criteria of English), histological examination of nail clippings and scanning electron microscope examination of the cultures whenever necessary. RESULTS The clinical features suggesting onychomycosis due to Aspergillus spp. are chalky deep white nail, rapid involvement of lamina and painful perionyxis without pus. Standard mycological tests (direct microscopy and fungal culture) and histological examination confirmed the pathogenetic role of Aspergillus spp. in onychomycoses. In particular, the histological examination was positive in 28 cases (82%) and useful in identifying typical aspects of Aspergillus spp. nail infections. At the follow-up, 12 months after the start of therapy with pulsed terbinafine, clinical and mycological recovery was confirmed in 30 of the 34 patients (88%). CONCLUSIONS Treatment of non-dermatophytic onychomycosis with terbinafine usually requires at least 3 months of continuous systemic therapy. Our study of 34 patients confirms that terbinafine is particularly effective in the treatment of Aspergillus spp. nail infections and that a pulsed regimen is more economical and less demanding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gianni
- Department of Dermatology, Scientific Institute, S. Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|