Invasive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis presenting as an intraluminal mass - A rare case

Abstract

Aspergillus species are capable of producing invasive disease in patients with impaired defence. When trachea and bronchi are the sole sites of Aspergillus infection, it is called invasive aspergillus tracheobronchitis. This occurs in a small percentage of patients who have generalized or local immune disruption. This is a case of isolated invasive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis presenting as intraluminal mass mimicking bronchogenic carcinoma. Bronchoscopic biopsy showed profuse growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and the patient was treated with an antifungal drug. Repeat bronchoscopy after one month showed no evidence of Apergillus growth and there is no evidence of underlying malignancy either. We report this case because of its rarity.