Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis often misdiagnosed as lung cancer: A case report

RATIONALE: The incidence of epidemiological pulmonary aspergillosis (PA) is increasing worldwide. Diagnosis of PA is challenging because of the nonspecificity of its clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics. PA has a high mortality rate, making early diagnosis and treatment critical. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 67-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with a half-month history of cough, blood-tinged sputum, and a sore throat. The patient had no history of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, or diabetes. The patient had a family history of cancer. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). INTERVENTIONS: After the diagnosis of IPA, the patient underwent antifungal treatment with oral voriconazole. OUTCOMES: After treatment, the patient's symptoms improved, and a follow-up chest computed tomography scan showed a reduction in the area of inflammation. LESSONS: Immunocompetent individuals may develop IPA. The clinical and imaging manifestations of IPA vary, which makes misdiagnosis possible. When necessary, a pathological biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.