SARCOIDOSIS AND ASPERGILLOMA

Ten instances of aspergilloma occurring in patients with chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis are reported. Cystic cavities in the upper lobe are a frequent development in sarcoidosis, and aspergilli in such circumstances will often proliferate to form fungus balls. Invasion of the lung and systemic dissemination are rare, but erosion of the cavity wall is a common cause of pulmonary hemorrhage, which may be fatal. In other cases spontaneous healing occurs. Medical therapy is unlikely to be effective, and resection is indicated for recurrent hemoptysis when the underlying sarcoidosis and consequent impairment of respiratory function permit surgery. © 1969.