Aspergilloma

Last revised by Mohammadtaghi Niknejad on 27 Feb 2024

Aspergillomas are mass-like fungus balls typically composed of Aspergillus fumigatus and are a non-invasive form of pulmonary aspergillosis. It usually falls under the subgroup chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.

Although the term mycetoma is frequently used to describe these fungal balls, it is an incorrect term to use 5,6.

Aspergillomas occur in patients with normal immunity but structurally abnormal lungs, with pre-existing cavities. Demographics will, therefore, match those of the underlying condition, such as 2:

Most aspergillomas are asymptomatic. Occasionally due to surrounding reactive vascular granulation tissue, hemoptysis may be present. Occasionally, erosion into a bronchial artery may lead to life-threatening hemoptysis 1.

An aspergilloma is a mass-like collection of fungal hyphae, mixed with mucous and cellular debris, within a cavity, the walls of which demonstrate vascular granulation tissue 1,2.

Aspergillomas typically occur in the cavities of post-primary pulmonary tuberculosis. Therefore, they are most frequently found in the posterior segments of the upper lobes and the superior segments of the lower lobes.

An aspergilloma can be seen as a mass within a cavity. The mass is typically spherical or ovoid. The air around the aspergilloma takes a crescentic shape, termed the Monod sign, which is distinct from the air crescent sign in recovering invasive aspergillosis. On different patient positioning, the mass can be shown to be mobile. 

CT better demonstrates the plain radiographic findings of a rounded mass within a cavity. The Monod sign of air around the mass is usually present and mobility of the mass can be demonstrated between prone and supine positioning. On occasion the mass may entirely fill the cavity, thus taking on the shape of the cavity, obliterating the surrounding air crescent and no longer being mobile 2. The mass is soft tissue attenuation but calcification is not uncommon. 

Due to the inflammation and vascular granulation tissue formation, the bronchial arteries supplying the wall can be enlarged 2. The adjacent pleura may well be thickened.

An asymptomatic aspergilloma does not necessarily require treatment, and the cavity is essentially isolated from any systemic administration of antifungal 3.

In the setting of brisk hemoptysis, angiography may be performed on an emergency basis and selective bronchial artery embolization can be life-saving. Failing this, or in cases of repeated hemoptysis, surgical excision with a lobectomy remains the gold standard 3.

The mortality rate varies widely, but in more recent series is low, even where requiring surgery 3.

When classical in appearance, there is little difference. If the mass fills the cavity completely then the differential is that of a solitary pulmonary nodule.

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