Pulmonary nocardiosis presenting as fungal ball -- a rare entity

Ragini Tilak,T.K Lahiri,Vijai Tilak,D Agarwal

doi:10.3855/jidc.287

Ragini Tilak, T.K Lahiri + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.287

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Abstract

Pulmonary intracavitary infection caused by Nocardia is an opportunistic infection and is believed to be a rare entity. We describe a case report of a patient with culture positive Nocardia asteroides who presented with complaints of cough and expectoration with episodes of haemoptysis and dyspnoea. The diagnosis of nocardiosis was made by microscopic examination of the surgically resected portion of the lung and confirmed on culture.

Highlights

Nocardia produce opportunistic pulmonary disease known as nocardiosis in immunocompromised individuals, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Pulmonary fungal ball can be defined as a conglomeration within a lung cavity or ectatic bronchus or intertwined fungal hyphae matted together with fibrin, mucus and cellular debris [1]
Nocardia infection is a rare disorder caused by bacteria, which tends to affect the lung, brain, and skin

Summary

Introduction

Introduction Nocardia produce opportunistic pulmonary disease known as nocardiosis in immunocompromised individuals, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Pulmonary fungal ball can be defined as a conglomeration within a lung cavity or ectatic bronchus or intertwined fungal hyphae matted together with fibrin, mucus and cellular debris [1]. Pulmonary intracavitary infection with Nocardia asteroides is rare, which prompted us to report this case. Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the patient’s chest showed a thick-walled cavity in the right lower lobe with a suspected fungal ball inside the cavity (Figure 1).

Results

Conclusion