W E Caras1, J L Pluss. 1. Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Disease/Critical Care Service, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, Colorada, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA) clinically, radio-graphically, and pathologically and to describe its response to treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present three cases of well-documented CNPA and detail the long-term clinical and pathologic responses to the new antifungal triazole, itraconazole. RESULTS: Although all three patients had an appreciable clinical response to itraconazole therapy, tissue obtained at the time of operation or autopsy revealed residual CNPA despite 5 to 12 months of treatment. Even though pathologic resolution of the CNPA did not occur, patient prognosis was determined solely by comorbid illness. CONCLUSION: Itraconazole seems to be effective in CNPA when used in a suppressive (rather than curative) role in patients with limited life expectancy.
OBJECTIVE: To characterize chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA) clinically, radio-graphically, and pathologically and to describe its response to treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present three cases of well-documented CNPA and detail the long-term clinical and pathologic responses to the new antifungal triazole, itraconazole. RESULTS: Although all three patients had an appreciable clinical response to itraconazole therapy, tissue obtained at the time of operation or autopsy revealed residual CNPA despite 5 to 12 months of treatment. Even though pathologic resolution of the CNPA did not occur, patient prognosis was determined solely by comorbid illness. CONCLUSION:Itraconazole seems to be effective in CNPA when used in a suppressive (rather than curative) role in patients with limited life expectancy.
Authors: Doh Hyung Kim; Jae Hyun Lee; Byung Ha Kim; Eun Kyung Choi; Jae Seok Park; Keun Youl Kim; Young Hi Choi; Na Hye Myong; Kye Young Lee Journal: Korean J Intern Med Date: 2002-06 Impact factor: 2.884