Concomitant occurrence of advanced fibrocavitary pulmonary sarcoidosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis

Abstract

An African American man in his 30s presented with haemoptysis associated with chronic productive cough, exertional dyspnoea, weight loss and skin lesions. Physical examination was notable for multiple cutaneous plaques over upper extremities and face. CT chest showed bilateral upper lobes cavitations and left upper lobe mass like consolidation. Further workup revealed positive serum aspergillus IgG, respiratory culture grew Aspergillus fumigatus, skin biopsy showed non-caseating granuloma. A final diagnosis of concomitant chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and advanced fibrocavitary pulmonary sarcoidosis with cutaneous involvement was made. The patient was initiated on antifungal therapy without steroids due to the concern of worsening the fungal infection. However, he presented later with worsening haemoptysis requiring bronchial artery embolisation. Surgical intervention was recommended but the patient eventually declined. The patient continued to be followed up closely in the clinic and repeated chest imaging showed stable findings 3 months after initial presentation.