Back pain associated with endobronchial mucus impaction due to Bipolaris australiensis colonization representing atypical Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis.

A 40-year-old white male had a two-year history of right sided upper back pain without dyspnea or coughing. His past history was significant for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Conservative outpatient management of the back pain including medications, rest and physical therapy were ineffective. CT scan of the chest revealed a mass in the lower lobe of the right lung. Bronchial biopsy and lavage revealed eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation without tissue invasion. A pure culture of Bipolaris australiensis was confirmed by DNA typing. Hematological, serological and radiological studies were not compatible with Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis (ABPM), fungus ball, hypersensitivity pneumonitis or invasive fungal infection. However, the mucus plugging may have represented an atypical localized form of ABPM. Resolution of the endobronchial mucus impaction occurred after three bronchoscopies with vigorous suction, anti fungal therapy and prednisone.