Aspergilloma: comparison of treatment methods and prognoses

Abstract

We report five cases of aspergilloma. Three patients had a previous history of tuberculosis, including one who fully recovered after resection of the right lower lobe. Four patients were treated mainly with oral itraconazole. Two of these four patients, died, one of massive hemosputa, and one of heart valve disease, while two had a good outcome, although one of them has since developed respiratory insufficiency and has received oxygen therapy. In itraconazole therapy, the daily dose may be 200 mg or more, and the duration of treatment may be 1 year or more. Percutaneous intracavitary instillation of amphotericin B, performed in one patient, showed no efficacy. The efficacy of this treatment may depend on the width and number of drainage bronchi, and on the mechanism of acceleration of degradation of the fungus ball. It is important to carefully choose the therapy for aspergilloma, with due consideration being given to the patient's pulmonary function and general status.