Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis: a case report

Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2019 Jul 1;12(7):2653-2656. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Objective: IPF with CNPA is rare, and its clinical manifestations and radiologic features lack specificity compared with other types of pulmonary aspergillosis. This study aims to assess the clinical features of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA).

Methods: One case of IPF with CNPA is reported and literature review is performed.

Results: The patient had a history of intermittent hemoptysis without history of smoking and alcohol. CT scan of the chest showed bilateral ILD and nodules in the upper lobes of bilateral lungs and middle lobe of the right lung of the patient. CT-guided pulmonary puncture biopsy using microscopy revealed mold hyphae. Based on combined medical history and radiologic findings, the patient was diagnosed with CNPA.

Conclusion: A discriminating pathological feature favors the discovery of aspergillus hyphae in pulmonary tissues, which provides assistance for the early anti-fungal therapy.

Keywords: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis.