Abstract
A 79-year-old woman was admitted to the intensive care unit with severe respiratory failure. Several weeks before admission, she had received medical treatment for an asthma attack. A chest radiograph on admission revealed complete atelectasis of the left lung. Bronchoscopic examination showed a white viscous tumor obstructing the left main bronchus. A definitive diagnosis could not be made. After several courses of laser therapy, the airways became completely clear. On pathological examination, the tumor was found to be composed of mucus. Laboratory findings showed an elevated level of IgE concentration and positive precipitating antibodies against A. fumigatus antigen. A chest CT at the time the condition of the patient improved, showed mild central bronchiectasis in the upper lower lobe. We suspected ABPA clinically. Clinicians should be aware that ABPA may cause complete atelectasis of the lung.
