Pleural thickening as a manifestation of aspergillus superinfection.

Abstract

Pleural thickening is a very frequent manifestation of Aspergillus superinfection in patients with cavitary or cystic pulmonary disease. It was seen in all 33 cases in this series.The presence of pleural thickening in pulmonary disease not usually associated with it, or an increase in the amount in diseases in which pleural thickening is commonly seen, both suggest Aspergillus superinfection. When such pleural thickening is seen, diligent search should be made for this fungus.