Cavitary alveolar sarcoidosis complicated by an aspergilloma

Abstract

SUMMARYCavitation in pulmonary sarcoidosis is rather unusual and even rarer in the alveolar form of the disease. A review of the literature revealed only 13 documented patients with cavitating alveolar sarcoidosis. Of the 13 patients, clinical information was available in only eight cases. Aspergilloma complicating cavitary alveolar sarcoidosis has been documented only once before. A 38-year-old woman with progressive dyspnoea for 3 years presented owing to a bout of haemoptysis. Imaging prior to presentation demonstrated mediastinal lymphadenopathy and coalescent parenchymal alveolar opacities along with air bronchograms, suggestive of alveolar sarcoidosis. On presentation, cavitations were visible in both lungs within the consolidation along with an intracavitary mass in the left upper lobe, which on evaluation was recognised as an aspergilloma. Bronchoscopy disclosed non-caseating granulomas on histopathology confirming pulmonary sarcoidosis. Cavitary alveolar sarcoidosis with aspergilloma formation can result in a diagnostic dilemma, especially in endemic tuberculous areas. BACKGROUND

Non-Infectious Granulomatous Lung Disease: Imaging Findings with Pathologic Correlation

“…Air trapping because of small airway obstruction may also be observed [ 35 ]. Superimposed infection of fibrocystic spaces, particularly with Aspergillus, is a frequent complication of sarcoidosis and accounts for significant morbidity and mortality [ 36 37 38 ].…”