Abstract
We describe four cases of actinomycotic intracavitary lung colonization and review the literature on the subject. Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. flavus, Pseudallescheria boydii are responsable for the majority of fungi intracavitary lung colonization (fungus ball). The similarities in clinical symptom (haemoptysis) and radiologic feature (pulmonary air meniscus) of fungus ball and actinomycotic intracavitary colonization prompted the investigation into a range of microorganisms, including Nocardia spp. [2–6] and Actinomyces spp. [1–5]. We report four cases of such actinomycotic syndrome, three of them in diabetic patients, and review briefly the literature.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Wilhite JL, Cole FH. Invasion of pulmonary cavities by Nocardia asteroides. Report of five cases. Ann Surg 1966; 32: 107–111.
Murray JF, Finegold SM, Froma S, Will DW. The changing spectrum of nocardiosis. A review and presentation of nine cases. Am Rev Resp Dis 1961; 83: 315–330.
Kurup PV, Sharma VN, Viswanathan R, Shandhu RS, Randhawa HS, Damodaran VN. Pulmonary fungal ball due to a Nocardia species. Sacand J Resp Dis 1968; 49: 9–14.
Cechella MS. O que e bola fungica. J Bras Med 1976; 30: 52–55.
Severo LC, Londero AT, Kaemmerer A. Colonizacao de cavidade pulmonar por actinomiceto: relato de um caso. Rev AMRIGS 1980; 24: 326–328.
Weens HS, Thompson EA. The pulmonary air maniscus. Radiology 1950; 54: 700–705.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Severo, L.C., Kaemmerer, A., Camargo, J.J. et al. Actinomycotic intracavitary lung colonization. Mycopathologia 108, 1–4 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00436776
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00436776