Unusual Life-Threatening Pneumothorax Complicating a Ruptured Complex Aspergilloma in an Immunocompetent Patient in Cameroon
Nonga BN, Jemea B, Pondy AO, Handy Eone D, Bitchong MC, Fola O, Nkolaka A, Londji GM
Case reports in surgery · 2018-02
Abstract
An aspergilloma is a well-recognized lesion of the lung caused most of the time by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus . Its main complication is hemoptysis and has been very rarely associated with tension pneumothorax. We present the case of a 47-year-old man with a history of treated and healed tuberculosis, which was successfully managed in our service for a ruptured right upper lobe complexed aspergilloma, complicated by a massive and tension pneumothorax. The patient underwent thoracotomy and lung resection with quick recovery. Conclusively, although rare, an aspergilloma may rupture and cause a life-threatening air leakage.