A trial of isolating a tumor-like form of pulmonary cavities infected with aspergilli. 1. Preoperative data, diagnostic difficulties.

A retrospective analysis was made of the case histories, clinical course and results of auxiliary examinations in 10 patients with tumor-like lung shadows, which preoperatively were suspected of aspergilloma, tuberculoma, malignant tumor or "tumor". The postoperative diagnosis being known, the preoperative diagnosis difficulties were analyzed. Aside from only one patient in whom a correct diagnosis was reached, and despite numerous examinations indicated by suspicious, diagnoses were imprecise, with two or three alternatives. Although not performed systematically, the preoperative mycologic sputum studies and serologic tests were negative. Nevertheless, in four cases, fungal etiology of the tumor was suspected, three of them with single bronchiectasis and blocked bronchus. Examination of operative specimens led to the isolation of a little known form of pulmonary aspergillosis, which in the second part of this study (6) was named tumor-like blocked cystic space with liquid contents infected with aspergilli (TBLA).