[Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis in patients without immunodeficiency: report of 15 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis in patients without immunodeficiency.

METHOD: Pulmonary aspergillosis in 15 patients without immunodeficiency was reviewed.

RESULTS

Twelve of the patients had underlying lung diseases (lung cancer), 2 showed masses in the lung by radiography and CT halo, and 1 had aspergilloma within the left main bronchus. The diagnosis of intra-cavitary aspergilloma had been made in all the patients with lung cancer before surgery. Only 3 cases were confirmed by fungal examination before surgery. Thirteen patients received surgical removal of the lesions, and the post-operative recovery was uneventful. Antifungal therapy and open drainage were administered in 1 patient with pleural residual cavity infection, but the treatment failed. Anti-cancer therapy alone was given in 1 patient. Sudden death occurred in another patient.

CONCLUSION

In suspected cases of aspergillosis, CT halo sign, histology examination are helpful for the diagnosis. Aspergilloma complicated with underlying lung diseases and mass lesions can be cured by surgery.