aspergilloma

A pulmonary aspergilloma, also known as chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, is a human infectious disease of the lung caused by the colonization of a cavity by a fungus of the genus Aspergillus, most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus. The spores are transmitted through the air and are not contagious between individuals. It is a frequent complication of tuberculous cavities, which are themselves the primary sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis, and correspond to localized lung tissue destruction. The cavities of pulmonary tubercles are poorly equipped to defend against Aspergillus infection, allowing the fungus to proliferate and form a pseudo-tumor that partially fills the cavity. It is estimated that more than 370,000 people worldwide develop an aspergilloma each year.

Several forms of aspergilloma exist, with varying severity and symptoms depending on the patient's overall health. Aspergillomas are distinguished from other Aspergillus infections by their localized nature. They are categorized based on their size and the degree of underlying lung destruction. The primary complication is bleeding, which leads to expectoration of blood, sometimes life-threatening. Diagnosis is based on a combination of radiological findings and fungal identification. Treatment is either medical, using antifungals, or surgical.