Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis manifested secondary to bacterial pleural empyema

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that develops through allergic reactions induced by the ubiquitous fungusAspergillus fumigatus in the airways. We experienced an unusual case of unilateral high-attenuation mucus plugs and atelectasis following same side bacterial pleural empyema, which led to the diagnosis of ABPA. AbstractA 54-year-old woman with no history of lung disease including bronchial asthma developed left bacterial pleural empyema due to the perforation of a lung abscess in the left lower lobe. Chest tube drainage and antibiotics improved the pleural empyema. Two months following discharge from the hospital, she developed a cough and left chest pain. Chest computed tomography revealed high-attenuation mucus plugs, atelectasis in the left lower lobe, and an increased peripheral blood eosinophil count. Bronchoscopy revealed a mucoid impaction in B8 of the left lower lobe, confirming the presence ofAspergillus fumigatus. A diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis was made, and treatment with oral prednisolone was initiated, resulting in the resolution of the mucus plugs and improvement of atelectasis.
Source: Respirology Case Reports - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: CASE REPORT Source Type: research