Aspergilli are widely distributed in nature and there is abundant opportunity to acquire infection. The fungus is usually only locally invasive in healthy tissues. Its culture from sputum on one occasion may have no significance. Its growth in the bronchial tree of asthmatics may produce sensitization with aggravation of the asthma and bronchial plugging. Multiplication in dead or damaged lung tissue such as infarcts is not uncommon. The fungus may also colonize pre-existing lung cavities, especially those remaining after treatment of tuberculosis. The ball of fungus produces a characteristic radiological picture, particularly on tomograms, which is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis. Hemoptysis is common. Inaction may be preferable to excision, especially in a patient with impaired lung function. Seven cases have been described to illustrate some of the features and natural history of the condition. The mounting number of sterile cavities left in lungs has increased the number of mycetomas which have developed.
No clinical trial protocols linked to this paper
Clinical trials are automatically linked when NCT numbers are found in the paper's title or abstract.PICO Elements
No PICO elements extracted yet. Click "Extract PICO" to analyze this paper.
Paper Details
MeSH Terms
Associated Data
No associated datasets or code repositories found for this paper.
Related Papers
Related paper suggestions will be available in future updates.