Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis Caused by Schizophyllum commune Successfully Treated With Mepolizumab
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) is a complication of bronchial asthma (BA) and can lead to lung damage and respiratory failure. The standard treatment for ABPM is steroid therapy. Nonetheless, this treatment increases the risk of infections and osteoporosis. Alternative therapies include immunomodulatory biologics and mucus plug removal by bronchoscopy. This report describes a case of a 70-year-old man diagnosed with BA in 2014 and treated with inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta-agonists, which were later discontinued for unknown reasons. He was presented to our department with a BA attack, including wheezing and desaturation. Computed tomography and laboratory examinations suggested ABPM; the patient underwent mucus plug removal. The final diagnosis was ABPM, and steroids and itraconazole were initiated. However, BA symptoms did not improve, and the mucus plug and desaturation persisted. Mepolizumab (100 mg/month) subcutaneously cleared the plug and improved BA. This case demonstrates that mepolizumab can treat patients with ABPM and refractory BA.
Source: Respirology Case Reports
DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.70161
Authors: Mitsuki Kakiuchi, Yuki Takigawa, Ken Sato, Hiromi Watanabe, Kenichiro Kudo, Akiko Sato, Keiichi Fujiwara, Takuo Shibayama
Institutions: National Hospital Organization, Okayama Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,130
Funder: Chiba University
OpenAlex ID: W4408666724
