INOPERABLE PULMONARY ASPERGILLOMA - PERCUTANEOUS CT-GUIDED INJECTION WITH GLYCERIN AND AMPHOTERICIN-B PASTE IN 15 CASES

Fifteen patients with active inoperable pulmonary aspergilloma underwent percutaneous injection of a special therapeutic paste of glycerin and amphotericin B. This paste was warmed just prior to injection, and filling of the lesional cavity was achieved in one session if it was possible to obtain anaerobic conditions for destruction of the aspergilloma. Injection was performed with computed tomographic guidance with use of an 18-gauge flexible needle and with administration of anti-coughing analgesia. Follow-up was continued for 7 months on average. Filling of the lesion cavities required three sessions on average because of cough or bronchospasm. In 12 cases the aspergilloma regressed within 3 months and results at serology became negative. In three cases, there was no change in the cavity, but hemoptysis did not recur. Results in this series confirm the feasibility and efficacy of this palliative treatment.