A type of non-acute pulmonary aspergilloses, defined as 'semi-invasive' and 'chronic necrotizing aspergillosis', respectively, was described by Geffer, and later by Binder in the 1980s. Subsequently, a terminological uncertainty prevailed, favored by a preference in choosing the predisposing diseases. The simple term 'chronic pulmonary aspergillosis', as well as a classification based on the pulmonary anatomy, is proposed in this review. The most significant Medline and Embase indexed papers published between 1966 and the present day, including coverage of classification, diagnosis and treatment of aspergillosis are analyzed. In addition, an open study, carried out on 23 patients treated with terbinafine is reported. The results obtained suggest the need for further randomized studies.