Chronic Cavitary Pulmonary Aspergillosis: An Unusual Cause of Chronic Cough, Pleuritic Chest Pain, and Hemoptysis in a 24-Year-Old Coal Mine Worker

Authors

Emma I. Sherfinski, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of MedicineFollow
Emily J. Vore, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of MedicineFollow
Mark H. Cooper MD, PhD, Marshall University, Huntington, WVFollow
Peimei He MD, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of MedicineFollow

Author Credentials

Emma I. Sherfinski Emily J. Vore, MD Mark H. Cooper, MD PhD Peimei He, MD

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6119-4000

Keywords

Chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA), pulmonary aspergillosis, chronic lung disease, medically refractory lung disease, surgical treatment of chronic lung disease

Disciplines

Bacterial Infections and Mycoses | Infectious Disease | Medicine and Health Sciences | Surgery

Abstract

Pulmonary Aspergillus infections are caused by the ubiquitous fungus mold when spores found in compost, dust, and plant material are inhaled. Manifestation of the disease is represented by a delicate balance between host and pathogen interactions, making Aspergillus infection more commonly observed in immunocompromised individuals. Chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) is a subtype of pulmonary Aspergillosis associated with history of chronic or prior lung disease. Here we present the case of a non-immunocompromised 24-year-old male with a history of intermittent asthma with chronic pulmonary symptoms and finding of a lung mass on imaging. We describe the diagnostic challenge and surgical treatment of CCPA in medically refractory disease.

Recommended Citation

Sherfinski EI, Vore EJ, Cooper MH, He P. Chronic Cavitary Pulmonary Aspergillosis: An Unusual Cause of Chronic Cough, Pleuritic Chest Pain, and Hemoptysis in a 24-Year-Old Coal Mine Worker. Marshall J Med. 2022; 8(4) DOI: https://doi.org/10.33470/2379-9536.1386.