[Usefulness of CT scan in the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergilloma].

Early diagnosis and precise anatomical localization of aspergillomas are essential for an effective treatment of their complications. We have evaluated the usefulness of thorax CT scan in the fulfillment of these objectives. Nine consecutive patients were studied with a presumable diagnosis of pulmonary aspergilloma. A thorax CT scan was performed in all patients (sections every 5 to 10 mm) in lying position and with lateral mobilizations. This technique allowed to rule out as fibrotic lesions some of the images previously attributed to mycetomas by conventional X-ray. On the other hand it helped to identify small size aspergillomas, to precise their localization and to demonstrate the possible communication between the main cavity and bronchial tree. In three patients who died in the period immediately following the study an excellent correlation between CT scan and underlying pathological lesions was observed.