Faculty Collaboration Database

Double Trouble: COVID-19 Pneumonia Concurrent With COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis. WMJ 2023 Dec;122(5):364-367

Date

01/05/2024

Pubmed ID

38180925

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85181627792 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Severe complications due to COVID-19 are a growing concern. We present a case of COVID-19 pneumonia with development of a superimposed COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old unvaccinated male with a history of asthma and sleep apnea presented with progressive dyspnea 10 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Worsening respiratory function despite broad-spectrum antibiotics and negative cultures prompted a repeat respiratory culture that revealed Aspergillus; voriconazole was initiated.

DISCUSSION: The risk of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis is highest in patients who are immunosuppressed or who receive corticosteroids to treat COVID-19 infection. Subtle and atypical presentations can be seen; our patient had only mild leukocytosis and progressive dyspnea with a negative initial respiratory culture. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality; thus, prompt diagnosis and treatment may confer a survival benefit.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the subtle presentation and variable radiographic findings in COVID-19- associated pulmonary aspergillosis, a low clinical threshold for workup is crucial to a timely diagnosis and treatment.

Author List

Khoja K, Samant S, Kumar D, Jha P

Author

Pinky Jha MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Dyspnea
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Aspergillosis