2001 Volume 15 Issue 2 Pages 140-145
Most cases of pulmonary aspergilloma are believed to arise from colonization and proliferation of Aspergillus in a preexisting pulmonary cavity (“secondary aspergilloma”). Tuberculosis is by far the most common condition associated with aspergilloma. The most common symptom is hemoptysis, with others including cough, dyspnea, and weight loss. In recent years, some cases of pulmonary aspergilloma are recognized to arise as a direct result of the intrabronchial proliferation of the fungus, with subsequent bronchial dilatation (“primary aspergilloma”). A 19-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to an abnormal shadow in the left lower lung on chest X-ray. Chest X-ray and chest CT scan showed a cavity with a fungus ball, but the patient complained of no symptoms. Surgical resection was performed, and the postoperative course was uneventful. The possibility of primary aspergilloma may be considered in this case.
