Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2010 | Case report
Pleural aspergillosis complicated by recurrent pneumothorax: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2010
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Introduction
Pneumothorax as the first symptom of pleural aspergillosis is rare.
Case presentation
A 31-year-old asthmatic Chinese man presented with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax and underwent lobectomy due to persistent air leakage. Aspergillus was detected histopathologically in the visceral pleural cavity. He was treated with itraconazole at 200 mg a day, and nine months later he had no recurrent pneumothorax or aspergillus infection.
Conclusion
Recurrent pneumothorax may be a rare manifestation of aspergillus infection. Aspergillus species infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent pneumothorax patients, particularly those with chronic lung disease.