Primary Vocal Cord Aspergillosis Can Involve the Trachea and Bronchus in Previously Healthy Patients: A Case Report

Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Apr 27:1455613241249097. doi: 10.1177/01455613241249097. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Primary vocal cord aspergillosis is extremely rare in immunocompetent individuals, in whom lesions are mainly confined to the larynx, with the possibility of tracheal and bronchial infection largely ignored. In this article, we present a case of primary vocal cord aspergillosis involving the trachea and bronchus in a previously healthy 55-year-old woman. Our case highlights that vocal cord aspergillosis can involve the trachea and bronchus and that laryngoscopy alone may be insufficient to secure a comprehensive diagnosis in healthy patients presenting with hoarseness, pharyngalgia, and normal chest radiography. Furthermore, influenza B virus infection may be a risk factor for this rare disease.

Keywords: aspergillosis; bronchus; influenza B virus; trachea; vocal cord.