Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with spontaneous resolution and the diagnostic utility of PCR from tissue specimens

J Infect. 2004 Aug;49(2):136-40. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2004.02.008.

Abstract

This case describes a 61-year-old apparently immunocompetent female with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and eosinophilia who demonstrated spontaneous clinical and radiological recovery. The patient had a history of asthma and had been corticosteroid dependent until 2 months prior to her presentation. This report explores the role of PCR in confirming the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in circumstances where only histological data are available and highlights the fact that invasive infections with Aspergillus spp. can occur without profound immunological deficiency. The case also documents the resolution of IPA without specific therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillosis / diagnosis*
  • Aspergillosis / diagnostic imaging
  • DNA, Fungal / analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • DNA, Fungal