Work

Tracheobronchial Aspergillosis Mimicking Pseudotumoral Lesions in a Rare Presentation of a Known Disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Tracheobronchial aspergillosis (TBA) is an uncommon form of invasive Aspergillus infection that can closely mimic endobronchial malignancy, particularly when presenting as an obstructive pseudotumoral lesion. We report the case of a 78‐year‐old immunocompetent male who presented with hemoptysis, progressive dyspnea, and an endobronchial mass initially suspected to represent bronchogenic carcinoma. Bronchoscopy revealed a tumor‐like obstructive lesion, and both bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) culture and bronchial biopsy culture grew Aspergillus spp. based on characteristic microscopic morphology. Histopathologic examination demonstrated septate hyaline hyphae with clear evidence of tissue invasion, confirming invasive fungal disease. The patient experienced marked clinical and endoscopic improvement following systemic voriconazole therapy and bronchoscopic intervention, with near‐complete resolution of the lesion. This case highlights the need to consider fungal etiologies in the differential diagnosis of endobronchial masses and emphasizes the essential role of early bronchoscopy, microbiological cultures, and histopathologic evaluation in establishing a timely and accurate diagnosis.

Source: Clinical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.71648

Authors: Cinthya Castillo Gamboa, Francisco Hernández Rodríguez, Yessika Medrano Hernández, Eduardo X. Porras Rosales

Institution: Ministerio de Salud

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,820