Calcium oxalate crystal deposition in a patient with Aspergilloma due to Aspergillus niger

J Thorac Dis. 2013 Aug;5(4):E174-8. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2013.08.45.

Abstract

Discrimination between aspergilloma and chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA) based on radiological findings can difficult. We describe a patient with aspergilloma and organizing pneumonia that was possibly caused by Aspergillus niger infection and radiologically mimicked CNPA. A postmortem histological analysis showed diffuse alveolar damage that had originated in peri-cavitary lung parenchyma. Calcium oxalate or Aspergillus niger was located inside, but not outside the cavity in the right upper lobe. Calcium oxalate or other unknown hyphal bioactive components might provoke severe lung inflammation not only adjacent to the cavity, but also on the contralateral side.

Keywords: Aspergillus niger; Calcium oxalate crystal deposition; aspergilloma; black deposits.

Publication types

  • Case Reports