Abstract | OBJECTIVES: METHODS: In this report we describe a young patient with acute myeloid leukemia who was affected by invasive tracheal aspergillosis. This entity and the relevant literature are reviewed. RESULTS: On the basis of the presented clinical report, we discuss the clinical and pathologic characteristics of invasive tracheal aspergillosis as an opportunistic infection. The classic symptoms are of progressive dyspnea in an immunosuppressed patient. Diagnosis is via pathological evidence of fungal hyphae invading the endoluminal upper respiratory tree. The present patient was successfully treated with an azole antifungal agent, combined with tracheostomy for airway control. CONCLUSIONS: Invasive tracheal aspergillosis is a life-threatening fungal infection that affects immunosuppressed patients. Because the mortality rate is high, awareness of this entity is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. A favorable outcome in this type of invasive aspergillosis correlates with resolution of the bone marrow suppression and early antifungal medical therapy combined with aggressive surgical intervention for airway control, if needed.
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Authors | Meir Warman, Jonathan Lahav, Edit Feldberg, Doron Halperin |
Journal | The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology
(Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol)
Vol. 116
Issue 10
Pg. 713-6
(Oct 2007)
ISSN: 0003-4894 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17987775
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antifungal Agents
- Pyrimidines
- Triazoles
- Voriconazole
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Topics |
- Adult
- Antifungal Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Aspergillosis
(complications, drug therapy, microbiology)
- Aspergillus flavus
(isolation & purification)
- Fatal Outcome
- Female
- Humans
- Laryngoscopy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute
(complications)
- Opportunistic Infections
(complications, drug therapy, microbiology)
- Pyrimidines
(therapeutic use)
- Tracheitis
(diagnosis, microbiology)
- Triazoles
(therapeutic use)
- Voriconazole
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