Prompt and reliable diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is essential for early initiation of antifungal therapy. We evaluated bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid IMMY Sona Aspergillus lateral-flow assay (IMMY LFA) in 92 individuals with suspected pulmonary infection. Sensitivity and specificity (vs. host factor but no IPA) of BAL IMMY LFA for diagnosis of IPA in individuals with any European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-defied “host factor” were 67% and 85%, respectively. Performance appeared better in individuals with renal transplantation (100%, 100%), compared to those with hematological malignancy and/or allogenic stem cell transplantation (70%, 78%). We found BAL IMMY LFA to be a convenient and useful addition to our diagnostic armory for IPA.
Lay abstract
We evaluated a new test for diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis from bronchoscopy samples. We tested 92 people and found that it was 67% sensitive and 85% specific (compared to diagnosis according to a set of internationally recognised criteria). We found this test convenient and useful.
Objectives
Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis (POVT) is a rare pathology that can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, extension of the thrombus leading to organ failure, and pulmonary embolism. It therefore requires early recognition and prompt treatment.
Case presentation
A patient with right POVT presented four days after delivery with acute right-sided abdominal pain and fever. Appendicitis was initially considered, before an abdominal-pelvic computed tomography raised the suspicion of POVT, subsequently confirmed through transabdominal ultrasound. Antibiotics and anticoagulation were initiated, with rapid clinical improvement and complete resolution of the thrombus three months later.
Conclusions
Diagnosing POVT is challenging as it clinically mimics other more frequent conditions. It is rare but life-threatening and should be considered in all females presenting with abdominal pain and fever in the postpartum period.
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