Fatal massive hemoptysis in a patient on low-dose oral prednisone: chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis
Vahid, B.; Marik, P.
Respiratory Care 52(1): 56-58
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-1324 PMID: 17319045 Document Number: 607142
We report a case of chronic necrotizing aspergillosis in a 74-year-old man with chronic lung disease, who was on low-dose prednisone. The patient was treated with various antibiotics but had no improvement. Sample obtained via bronchoscopy grew Aspergillus, and the patient was started on lipid formulation amphotericin B. Three days after admission the patient developed fatal massive hemoptysis, presumably secondary to acquired systemic-to-pulmonary vascular communication. This is an unusual presentation of a rare manifestation of pulmonary aspergillosis. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose this susceptible patients.