Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging (2015) 96, 435—442
REVIEW /Thoracic imaging
Pulmonary aspergillosis
M.L. Chabia,∗
, A. Goraccib
, N. Rochec
, A. Paugamd
,
A. Lupoe
, M.P. Revelf
a
Service de radiologie polyvalente et oncologique, groupe hospitalier de la Pitié-Salpêtrière
— Charles-Foix, AP—HP, 83, boulevard de l’Hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13, France
b
Département d’imagerie médicale, service de radiologie, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas,
Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
c
Service de pneumologie, hôpital d’instruction des armées du Val-de-Grâce, 74, boulevard de
Port-Royal, 75230 Paris cedex 05, France
d
Service de parasitologie-mycologie-médecine tropicale, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du
Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75679 Paris cedex 14, France
e
Service d’anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du
Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75679 Paris cedex 14, France
f
Service de radiologie A, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75679 Paris
cedex 14, France
KEYWORDS
Aspergillosis;
Lung infections;
Computed
tomography
Abstract Aspergillosis is a mycotic disease usually caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a sapro-
phytic and ubiquitous airborne fungus. Aspergillus-related lung diseases are traditionally
classified into four different forms, whose occurrence depends on the immunologic status of the
host and the existence of an underlying lung disease. Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillo-
sis (ABPA) affects patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Saprophytic infection (aspergilloma)
occurs in patients with abnormal airways (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiec-
tasis, cystic fibrosis) or chronic lung cavities. Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis (semi-invasive
form) is described in patients with chronic lung pathology or mild immunodeficiency. Invasive
aspergillosis (angio-invasive or broncho-invasive forms) occurs in severely immuno-compromised
patients. Knowledge of the various radiological patterns for each form, as well as the corre-
sponding associated immune disorders and/or underlying lung diseases, helps early recognition
and accurate diagnosis.
© 2015 Éditions franc¸aises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Abbreviations: A. fumigatus, Aspergillus fumigatus; ABPA, allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis; COPD, chronic obstructive pul-
monary disease; CF, cystic fibrosis; HRCT, high-resolution computed tomography; CAN, chronic necrotizing aspergillosis; BAL, bronchoalveolar
lavage.
∗ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: marie-laure.chabi@psl.aphp.fr (M.L. Chabi).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.diii.2015.01.005
2211-5684/© 2015 Éditions franc¸aises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
436 M.L. Chabi et al.
Aspergillosis is a mycotic disease caused by Aspergillus,
a filamentous fungus. The most common pathogenic species
responsible for pulmonary disease is Aspergillus fumigatus
[1].
A. fumigatus is a saprophytic and ubiquitous airborne fun-
gus, whose natural ecological niche is the soil [1]. Heat,
moisture and organic matters (carpet, autumn leaves. . .)
promote its development.
Humans constantly inhale numerous conidia (spores) of
this fungus, which are normally eliminated by muco-ciliary
clearance and innate immune mechanisms in immunocom-
petent hosts without underlying lung disease [1].
The development of pulmonary aspergillosis requires
host’s predisposing factors such as allergic status (asthma),
airways diseases (bronchial dilatation, cystic fibrosis),
chronic lung cavities (tuberculosis, sarcoidosis. . .) or
immune deficiency.
Allergic reaction to Aspergillus antigens exposes to
allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Alter-
ation of muco-ciliary cells in bronchial dilatation or
cystic fibrosis allows colonization of the airways by
Aspergillus. The absence of macrophages in tuberculo-
sis cavity and other chronic lung cavities promotes the
development of a ‘‘fungal ball’’ (aspergilloma). Immuno-
suppression due to steroids, transplantation, or aplasia
may be responsible for chronic necrotizing forms or
invasive forms depending on the level of immune defi-
ciency.
Clinical, radiological and histological manifestations of
pulmonary aspergillosis depend, besides the number and
virulence of the spores, mainly on the immune sta-
tus of the host and the presence of pre-existing lung
disease.
The purpose of this review is to illustrate the radiologi-
cal appearance of the four categories of Aspergillus-related
lung diseases and to point out, for each, the specific immune
status of the host.
Aspergillus fumigatus
A. fumigatus is a saprophytic and ubiquitous airborne fila-
mentous fungus, whose natural ecological niche is the soil
[1]. Its development is favoured by some contexts such
as heat, moisture and organic matters (carpet, autumn
leaves. . .).
The conidia released into the atmosphere have a diam-
eter small enough (2 to 3 ␮m) to reach the lung alveoli
[1].
The concentration of spores in the air increases with
construction or renovation of buildings (levelling, painting
repair. . .) and must be monitored if it takes place in hospi-
tals. Any increase in the concentration of airborne conidia
raises the risk of contracting aspergillosis in susceptible indi-
viduals [1]. Mycology laboratories and haematology services
are equipped with hoods and laminar flow to avoid aerial
contamination.
There are other sources of contamination, less known,
such as spices (pepper) [2] and marijuana [3], which contain
a lot of fumigatus spores.
Various presentations of pulmonary
aspergillosis
Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis
(ABPA)
ABPA is an immunological pulmonary disorder caused by
hypersensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus [4,5].
It nearly always affects asthmatics (1—2% of asthma
patients) or patients with cystic fibrosis (CF; 1—15% of CF
patients) [6,7].
The allergic reaction to Aspergillus antigens is respon-
sible for a local inflammatory reaction (with infiltrate of
eosinophils, excessive mucus production and bronchial wall
damage) and an airways’ filling by mucus plugs, containing
Aspergillus and eosinophils. The result is a bronchial dilata-
tion typically involving segmental and subsegmental bronchi
[8], with predominance in the upper lung.
Clinical manifestations include poorly controlled asthma,
wheezing, haemoptysis and productive cough with expec-
toration of brownish black mucus plugs. However, some
patients can remain asymptomatic [4,5].
CT typically demonstrates the presence of central
bronchiectasis, usually involving segmental or subsegmental
bronchi, with upper lobe predominance. These bronchiec-
tasis are filled by mucoid impactions with an inversed Y
or V shape and are also called finger-in-glove opacities [8]
(Fig. 1).
High attenuation or calcification of impacted mucus can
be seen. High attenuation mucus, characterized by higher
density than that of paraspinal muscles, is a pathognomonic
finding of ABPA [5]. Hyperattenuating mucus plugging is
explained by the presence of calcium salts and even metals
(the ions of iron and manganese) or desiccated mucus, such
as for Aspergillus sinusitis.
Occasionally, lobar or segmental atelectasis may occur.
Rarely, pleural effusion or spontaneous pneumothorax have
been described.
If untreated, this disease can evolve to pulmonary fibro-
sis.
New diagnostic criteria have been recently proposed to
improve the accuracy of ABPA diagnosis [5]. These criteria
include predisposing conditions (bronchial asthma or cystic
fibrosis) associated with both obligatory criteria and at least
two of three other criteria.
Obligatory criteria are type I Aspergillus skin test posi-
tivity (immediate cutaneous hypersensitivity to Aspergillus
antigen) or elevated levels of specific IgE against Aspergillus
fumigatus and elevated total IgE levels (>1000 IU/mL). The
other three criteria are presence of precipitating or IgG
antibodies against A. fumigatus in serum, radiographic pul-
monary opacities consistent with ABPA and total eosinophil
count >500 cells/L in steroid naive patients.
The chest radiographic features consistent with ABPA
may be transient (i.e. consolidation, nodules, tram-track
opacities, toothpaste/finger-in-glove opacities, fleeting
opacities) or permanent (i.e. parallel line and ring shadows,
bronchiectasis and pleuropulmonary fibrosis).
High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the
chest detects abnormalities not apparent on chest radio-
graph, and allows better assessment of the pattern and
Pulmonary aspergillosis 437
Figure 1. A 30-year-old asthmatic man with productive cough and dyspnea. Axial (a) and coronal (b, c) CT images show bilateral subseg-
mental bronchectasis filled with mucus (arrows). These images are called finger-in-glove opacities and are consistent with ABPA diagnosis.
On mediastinal windowing (d), mucus plugs are hyperdense (102 HU); e: coronal CT image after treatment. Mucus plugging has disappeared
whereas bronchectasis persist (head arrow).
distribution of bronchiectasis, HRCT is therefore the best
imaging modality for evaluating patients with suspected
ABPA [5].
Saprophytic aspergillosis infection
(aspergilloma)
Saprophytic aspergillosis infection is due to Aspergillus col-
onization of a pre-existing pulmonary cavity or ectatic
bronchus. It combines conglomerate of fungal hyphae,
inflammatory cells, mucus and cellular debris, without any
tissue invasion (Fig. 2).
This infection occurs in patients with abnormal airways
(COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis) or chronic lung cavi-
ties such as tuberculous caverns, sarcoid-related pulmonary
cavities, emphysematous bullae, honeycomb cysts. . .).
Aspergilloma is characterized by the presence of a round
or oval mass within a pulmonary cavity, typically sur-
rounded by an airspace, resulting in the ‘‘air crescent’’
sign (Figs. 3 and 4). The ‘‘fungus ball’’ usually moves with
changes in position [8,9]. The degree of filling of the lung
cavity is variable, responsible for very solid forms (pseudo-
tumoral) and very cavitary forms. The key element is the
identification of the ‘‘air crescent’’ sign, for which CT
scan is more effective than conventional chest radiography
(Figs. 3 and 4).
The lack of ‘‘fungus ball’’ into a cavity does not exclude
aspergillosis infection, which can be characterized initially
by an isolated wall thickening. All chronic lung cavities
Figure 2. Aspergilloma. Image of pathologic specimen after
lobectomy showing a ‘‘fungus ball’’ within a cavity.
can be colonized by Aspergillus and develop aspergilloma
(Fig. 5).
Saprophytic aspergillosis may be discovered either inci-
dentally or after an episode of haemoptysis, which is
438 M.L. Chabi et al.
Figure 3. Coronal (a) and sagittal (b) CT images showing pathognomonic aspergilloma: mass within a lung cavity surrounded by air, which
is called the ‘‘air crescent’’ sign. Aspergilloma cannot be diagnosed on chest X ray (c), because the air crescent sign is not visible.
Figure 4. a: tuberculosis sequelae in pulmonary apices on chest X ray; b and c: CT images demonstrate a fungus ball within a pulmonary
cavity in the left lower lung apex, which is pathognomonic for aspergilloma. Chest X ray only demonstrates bilateral opacities with retraction
of both lung apices.
Figure 5. a: axial CT image showing a broncho-pleural fistula complicating left upper lobe resection; b: CT scan performed 1 year later
shows thickening of the cavity walls; c: two years later, a fungus ball with ‘‘air crescent’’ sign is demonstrated. All chronic lung cavities can
be colonized by Aspergillus and develop aspergilloma. The first sign of the saprophytic infection is usually a thickening of the cavity walls.
the main complication. Aspergillomas remain stable in the
majority of cases, but can also decrease in size or even spon-
taneously resolve in about 10% of cases. Aspergillomas more
rarely show size increase [10].
Other causes of ‘‘air crescent’’ sign include angio-
invasive and chronic necrotizing aspergillosis. In these cases,
there are no pre-existing cavities; radiological manifesta-
tions appear within a few days in the angio-invasive forms
and within several weeks or months in the chronic necrotiz-
ing forms [11] (Fig. 6).
Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis (former
semi-invasive form)
Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis (CNA) is a rare and
poorly understood form of aspergillosis, which can
mimic other chronic pulmonary infections (tuberculosis,
histoplasmosis. . .). Its recognition and diagnosis are often
delayed.
CNA is a locally invasive disease that occurs in patients
with chronic lung pathology [12] or mild immunodeficiency
Pulmonary aspergillosis 439
Figure 6. ‘‘Air crescent’’ sign. Axial CT images of 3 different patients, showing a lung parenchyma opacity surrounded by an ‘‘air crescent’’
sign. This feature is not specific of saprophytic infection (aspergilloma; a), it can be seen in semi-invasive aspergillosis (chronic necrotizing
aspergillosis; b) and in invasive aspergillosis (c). In the latter two cases (b and c), there was not any pre-existing lung cavity; the focal area
of necrosis is due to fungal invasion.
such as long-standing steroid therapy, diabetes, renal fail-
ure, COPD. . .
Radiologically, CNA is characterized by pulmonary
consolidations, usually involving the upper lobes, with
bronchiectasis. The consolidation progresses with time to
cavitation over weeks to months [12,13].
As indicated earlier, a ‘‘fungal ball’’ with ‘‘air crescent
sign’’ may develop in CNA as a secondary phenomenon due
to the parenchymal destruction by the fungus [11] (Fig. 7).
In 2003, Denning et al. proposed diagnostic criteria for
CNA [14] (Boxed text).
Boxed text: Denning’s criteria [14] for chronic
necrotizing aspergillosis.
• Chronic pulmonary or systemic symptoms (duration
3 months) compatible with CPA, including at least 1
of the following symptoms: weight loss, productive
cough, or haemoptysis.
• Cavitary pulmonary lesion with evidence of
paracavitary infiltrates, new cavity formation,
or expansion of cavity size over time.
• Either positive result of serum Aspergillus precipitins
test or isolation of Aspergillus spp. from pulmonary
or pleural cavity.
• Elevated levels of inflammatory markers (C-
reactive protein, plasma viscosity, or erythrocyte
sedimentation rate).
• Exclusion of other pulmonary pathogens, by results
of appropriate cultures and serological tests, that
are associated with similar disease presentation,
including mycobacteria and endemic fungi
(especially Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma
capsulatum).
• No overt immunocompromising conditions (e.g.,
HIV infection, leukemia, and chronic granulomatous
disease).
Invasive aspergillosis: angio-invasive and
airway-invasive forms
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is an aggressive disease due
to the invasion of the bronchial wall and the accompany-
ing arterioles by the hyphae. This form primarily occurs in
severely immuno-compromised patients, especially patients
with neutropenia due to allogenic bone marrow transplan-
tation or chemotherapy for acute leukemia [15], but also
patients who received solid-organ transplantation, espe-
cially lung transplantation [16].
The most important risk factor is neutropenia. The risk of
invasive aspergillosis is strongly correlated with the duration
and degree of neutropenia [11].
Symptoms are non-specific and usually mimic bron-
chopneumonia, but also include pleuritic chest pain and
haemoptysis [11].
Invasive aspergillosis is a diagnostic and therapeutic chal-
lenge due to the high morbidity and mortality.
There are two sub-categories of invasive aspergillosis,
the airway-invasive form and the angio-invasive form.
The airway-invasive form accounts for 15 to 30% of
invasive aspergillosis, and is defined by the presence of
Aspergillus deep to the basal membrane of the bronchi [17].
Radiologically, it can mimic bronchiolitis with patchy cen-
trilobular nodules with tree-in-bud appearance, similar to
those seen in endobronchial spread of tuberculosis. A bron-
chopneumonia presentation is common, with confluence of
peribronchial consolidations, similar to bacterial bronchop-
neumonia [8,17] (Fig. 8).
In rare cases, the fungal infection is entirely or pre-
dominantly confined to the tracheobronchial tree. Acute
Aspergillus tracheobronchitis usually occurs in lung trans-
plantation recipients [16]. Radiologically, it may appear as
tracheal or bronchial irregular wall thickening, with occa-
sionally high attenuation aspect due to ability of Aspergillus
to fix calcium. Atelectasis or endobronchial masses have
even been described. However, most of the time, there are
no detectable radiological abnormalities [8,18].
440 M.L. Chabi et al.
Figure 7. Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis; a and b: axial CT images showing a right upper lobe consolidation with bronchectasis; c and
d: correspond to CT images of the same patient 5 months (c) and 7 months (d) latter. Progressive cavitation of the initial consolidation is
seen; e and f: are chest radiographs corresponding to CT scans images c and d. They show a progressive cavitation of the right upper lobe.
Comparison with the first available chest X ray is crucial, to detect the progressive cavitation because changes occur slowly, which is the
source of delayed diagnosis.
The angio-invasive form is histologically characterized
by the invasion and occlusion of small to medium-size
pulmonary arteries by fungal hyphae [8]. Typical CT find-
ings [8,17] consist in larges nodules surrounded by ground
glass attenuation, which is called the ‘‘halo sign’’. Nod-
ules are due to coagulation necrosis, whereas the halo
of ground glass is due to surrounding alveolar haemorr-
hage [19] (Fig. 9). Other findings are pleura-based areas of
consolidation, similar to those seen in pulmonary infarcts
complicating pulmonary embolism, correspond to haemor-
rhagic infarcts.
Differential diagnoses of ‘‘halo sign’’ in neu-
tropenic patients include infections due to Candida,
Herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus, Wegener gran-
ulomatosis, haemorrhagic metastases and Kaposi
sarcoma.
Figure 8. Broncho-invasive aspergillosis in a 50-year-old man with allogenic bone marrow transplantation. Axial CT images (a, b) showing
bilateral lobular consolidation with centrilobular nodules in the left lower lobe (b). These features are non-specific of fungal infection and
could also be due to bacterial bronchopneumonia.
Pulmonary aspergillosis 441
Figure 9. Angio-invasive aspergillosis in a 31-year-old-woman
with lung transplantation. Axial CT image showing a large nod-
ule in the right lower lobe surrounded by a halo of ground glass
attenuation (halo sign).
The occurrence of cavitation within a nodule or a
consolidation is often concomitant with the resolution of
neutropenia. In this late phase, the separation of the
necrotic lung fragment from the adjacent lung parenchyma
results in an ‘‘air crescent’’ sign similar to that observed in
aspergilloma. Unlike saprophytic aspergillosis infection, the
opacity surrounded by a crescent airspace develops in less
than 2 weeks and without pre-existing cavity (Fig. 10).
Therefore, it is essential to think in terms of immunolog-
ical status and fastness of evolution in case of cavitation.
There are increasing numbers of reports documenting
invasive aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients with
severe COPD, often with prolonged use of corticosteroid
therapy [11].
Overlap between these various manifestations
Beyond this segmentation in four forms it should be noted
that an overlap between the main categories of Aspergillus-
related diseases has been reported. Some forms could
co-exist, especially allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis
and aspergilloma [11,20].
Changes of local or systemic host immunity and of under-
lying lung pathology can modify aspergillosis pulmonary
manifestations with time. For example, an aspergilloma can
develop within bronchiectasis in a patient with ABPA. An
invasive form can complicate long-standing ABPA in case of
systemic immune deficiency, including the use of high-dose
of steroids [20].
Mycological diagnosis: which sample
allows diagnosis?
Sputum
Direct examination can be made to identify the presence of
filaments.
The significance of isolating Aspergillus in sputum sam-
ples depends on the immune status of the host. In
immunocompetent patients, it represents at least a colo-
nization, while it is highly predictive of invasive disease
in immuno-compromised patients [11]. Conversely, negative
sputum samples do not rule out aspergillosis, including inva-
sive forms [11]. The results of cultures are often delayed.
Serum
Detection of IgG antibodies against A. fumigatus in the
serum helps the diagnosis of aspergilloma or ABPA, the two
forms of aspergillosis observed in immunocompetent indi-
viduals [1]. It can be negative in patients on corticosteroid
therapy.
In contrast to immunocompetent hosts, growth of
A. fumigatus in the tissues of an immunosuppressed host is
not correlated with an increase in anti-Aspergillus antibody
titers [1]. Consequently, detection of Aspergillus antigens in
the serum is more useful for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis
in immuno-compromised patients (ELISA, latex agglutina-
tion). Galactomannan is the most commonly used antigen,
it is a polysaccharide fungal cell wall component released
during hyphal growth in tissues. It is reported that serum
galactomannan can be detected several days before the
presence of clinical symptoms, chest radiographic abnor-
malities or positive culture [11].
Another possibility is the detection of A. fumigatus DNA
by PCR.
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
BAL is useful to identify Aspergillus by direct examination
and culture.
Figure 10. a: axial CT image in a leukemia patient showing a right upper lobe nodule surrounded by mild ground glass attenuation; b and
c: axial and coronal CT images acquired 3 weeks later showing an ‘‘air crescent’’ sign surrounding a focal opacity. This feature is similar to
aspergilloma but is relevant to a necrotic lung fragment in an angio-invasive form of aspergillosis.
442 M.L. Chabi et al.
Further, as for serum, Aspergillus antigens (galactoman-
nan) and A. fumigatus DNA (by PCR) can be detected in BAL
[21].
Biopsy
The histopathological examination of lung tissue with posi-
tive culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of invasive
aspergillosis [11]. Nevertheless, surgical biopsies are infre-
quently performed, only for diagnosis purposes in fragile
patients.
Conclusion
The spectrum of respiratory diseases caused by Aspergillus
is wide. It includes hypersensitivity in ABPA, saprophytic
infection in pre-existing broncho-pulmonary diseases and
semi-invasive or invasive forms in immuno-compromised
patients.
The correlation between the immunologic status of the
host, an essential factor in the occurrence of Aspergillus-
related lung diseases, and the radiological presentation is of
major importance for accurate diagnosis of these diseases.
Disclosure of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest
concerning this article.
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    Diagnostic and InterventionalImaging (2015) 96, 435—442 REVIEW /Thoracic imaging Pulmonary aspergillosis M.L. Chabia,∗ , A. Goraccib , N. Rochec , A. Paugamd , A. Lupoe , M.P. Revelf a Service de radiologie polyvalente et oncologique, groupe hospitalier de la Pitié-Salpêtrière — Charles-Foix, AP—HP, 83, boulevard de l’Hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13, France b Département d’imagerie médicale, service de radiologie, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy c Service de pneumologie, hôpital d’instruction des armées du Val-de-Grâce, 74, boulevard de Port-Royal, 75230 Paris cedex 05, France d Service de parasitologie-mycologie-médecine tropicale, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75679 Paris cedex 14, France e Service d’anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75679 Paris cedex 14, France f Service de radiologie A, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75679 Paris cedex 14, France KEYWORDS Aspergillosis; Lung infections; Computed tomography Abstract Aspergillosis is a mycotic disease usually caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a sapro- phytic and ubiquitous airborne fungus. Aspergillus-related lung diseases are traditionally classified into four different forms, whose occurrence depends on the immunologic status of the host and the existence of an underlying lung disease. Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillo- sis (ABPA) affects patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Saprophytic infection (aspergilloma) occurs in patients with abnormal airways (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiec- tasis, cystic fibrosis) or chronic lung cavities. Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis (semi-invasive form) is described in patients with chronic lung pathology or mild immunodeficiency. Invasive aspergillosis (angio-invasive or broncho-invasive forms) occurs in severely immuno-compromised patients. Knowledge of the various radiological patterns for each form, as well as the corre- sponding associated immune disorders and/or underlying lung diseases, helps early recognition and accurate diagnosis. © 2015 Éditions franc¸aises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. Abbreviations: A. fumigatus, Aspergillus fumigatus; ABPA, allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis; COPD, chronic obstructive pul- monary disease; CF, cystic fibrosis; HRCT, high-resolution computed tomography; CAN, chronic necrotizing aspergillosis; BAL, bronchoalveolar lavage. ∗ Corresponding author. E-mail address: marie-laure.chabi@psl.aphp.fr (M.L. Chabi). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.diii.2015.01.005 2211-5684/© 2015 Éditions franc¸aises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
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    436 M.L. Chabiet al. Aspergillosis is a mycotic disease caused by Aspergillus, a filamentous fungus. The most common pathogenic species responsible for pulmonary disease is Aspergillus fumigatus [1]. A. fumigatus is a saprophytic and ubiquitous airborne fun- gus, whose natural ecological niche is the soil [1]. Heat, moisture and organic matters (carpet, autumn leaves. . .) promote its development. Humans constantly inhale numerous conidia (spores) of this fungus, which are normally eliminated by muco-ciliary clearance and innate immune mechanisms in immunocom- petent hosts without underlying lung disease [1]. The development of pulmonary aspergillosis requires host’s predisposing factors such as allergic status (asthma), airways diseases (bronchial dilatation, cystic fibrosis), chronic lung cavities (tuberculosis, sarcoidosis. . .) or immune deficiency. Allergic reaction to Aspergillus antigens exposes to allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Alter- ation of muco-ciliary cells in bronchial dilatation or cystic fibrosis allows colonization of the airways by Aspergillus. The absence of macrophages in tuberculo- sis cavity and other chronic lung cavities promotes the development of a ‘‘fungal ball’’ (aspergilloma). Immuno- suppression due to steroids, transplantation, or aplasia may be responsible for chronic necrotizing forms or invasive forms depending on the level of immune defi- ciency. Clinical, radiological and histological manifestations of pulmonary aspergillosis depend, besides the number and virulence of the spores, mainly on the immune sta- tus of the host and the presence of pre-existing lung disease. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the radiologi- cal appearance of the four categories of Aspergillus-related lung diseases and to point out, for each, the specific immune status of the host. Aspergillus fumigatus A. fumigatus is a saprophytic and ubiquitous airborne fila- mentous fungus, whose natural ecological niche is the soil [1]. Its development is favoured by some contexts such as heat, moisture and organic matters (carpet, autumn leaves. . .). The conidia released into the atmosphere have a diam- eter small enough (2 to 3 ␮m) to reach the lung alveoli [1]. The concentration of spores in the air increases with construction or renovation of buildings (levelling, painting repair. . .) and must be monitored if it takes place in hospi- tals. Any increase in the concentration of airborne conidia raises the risk of contracting aspergillosis in susceptible indi- viduals [1]. Mycology laboratories and haematology services are equipped with hoods and laminar flow to avoid aerial contamination. There are other sources of contamination, less known, such as spices (pepper) [2] and marijuana [3], which contain a lot of fumigatus spores. Various presentations of pulmonary aspergillosis Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) ABPA is an immunological pulmonary disorder caused by hypersensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus [4,5]. It nearly always affects asthmatics (1—2% of asthma patients) or patients with cystic fibrosis (CF; 1—15% of CF patients) [6,7]. The allergic reaction to Aspergillus antigens is respon- sible for a local inflammatory reaction (with infiltrate of eosinophils, excessive mucus production and bronchial wall damage) and an airways’ filling by mucus plugs, containing Aspergillus and eosinophils. The result is a bronchial dilata- tion typically involving segmental and subsegmental bronchi [8], with predominance in the upper lung. Clinical manifestations include poorly controlled asthma, wheezing, haemoptysis and productive cough with expec- toration of brownish black mucus plugs. However, some patients can remain asymptomatic [4,5]. CT typically demonstrates the presence of central bronchiectasis, usually involving segmental or subsegmental bronchi, with upper lobe predominance. These bronchiec- tasis are filled by mucoid impactions with an inversed Y or V shape and are also called finger-in-glove opacities [8] (Fig. 1). High attenuation or calcification of impacted mucus can be seen. High attenuation mucus, characterized by higher density than that of paraspinal muscles, is a pathognomonic finding of ABPA [5]. Hyperattenuating mucus plugging is explained by the presence of calcium salts and even metals (the ions of iron and manganese) or desiccated mucus, such as for Aspergillus sinusitis. Occasionally, lobar or segmental atelectasis may occur. Rarely, pleural effusion or spontaneous pneumothorax have been described. If untreated, this disease can evolve to pulmonary fibro- sis. New diagnostic criteria have been recently proposed to improve the accuracy of ABPA diagnosis [5]. These criteria include predisposing conditions (bronchial asthma or cystic fibrosis) associated with both obligatory criteria and at least two of three other criteria. Obligatory criteria are type I Aspergillus skin test posi- tivity (immediate cutaneous hypersensitivity to Aspergillus antigen) or elevated levels of specific IgE against Aspergillus fumigatus and elevated total IgE levels (>1000 IU/mL). The other three criteria are presence of precipitating or IgG antibodies against A. fumigatus in serum, radiographic pul- monary opacities consistent with ABPA and total eosinophil count >500 cells/L in steroid naive patients. The chest radiographic features consistent with ABPA may be transient (i.e. consolidation, nodules, tram-track opacities, toothpaste/finger-in-glove opacities, fleeting opacities) or permanent (i.e. parallel line and ring shadows, bronchiectasis and pleuropulmonary fibrosis). High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest detects abnormalities not apparent on chest radio- graph, and allows better assessment of the pattern and
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    Pulmonary aspergillosis 437 Figure1. A 30-year-old asthmatic man with productive cough and dyspnea. Axial (a) and coronal (b, c) CT images show bilateral subseg- mental bronchectasis filled with mucus (arrows). These images are called finger-in-glove opacities and are consistent with ABPA diagnosis. On mediastinal windowing (d), mucus plugs are hyperdense (102 HU); e: coronal CT image after treatment. Mucus plugging has disappeared whereas bronchectasis persist (head arrow). distribution of bronchiectasis, HRCT is therefore the best imaging modality for evaluating patients with suspected ABPA [5]. Saprophytic aspergillosis infection (aspergilloma) Saprophytic aspergillosis infection is due to Aspergillus col- onization of a pre-existing pulmonary cavity or ectatic bronchus. It combines conglomerate of fungal hyphae, inflammatory cells, mucus and cellular debris, without any tissue invasion (Fig. 2). This infection occurs in patients with abnormal airways (COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis) or chronic lung cavi- ties such as tuberculous caverns, sarcoid-related pulmonary cavities, emphysematous bullae, honeycomb cysts. . .). Aspergilloma is characterized by the presence of a round or oval mass within a pulmonary cavity, typically sur- rounded by an airspace, resulting in the ‘‘air crescent’’ sign (Figs. 3 and 4). The ‘‘fungus ball’’ usually moves with changes in position [8,9]. The degree of filling of the lung cavity is variable, responsible for very solid forms (pseudo- tumoral) and very cavitary forms. The key element is the identification of the ‘‘air crescent’’ sign, for which CT scan is more effective than conventional chest radiography (Figs. 3 and 4). The lack of ‘‘fungus ball’’ into a cavity does not exclude aspergillosis infection, which can be characterized initially by an isolated wall thickening. All chronic lung cavities Figure 2. Aspergilloma. Image of pathologic specimen after lobectomy showing a ‘‘fungus ball’’ within a cavity. can be colonized by Aspergillus and develop aspergilloma (Fig. 5). Saprophytic aspergillosis may be discovered either inci- dentally or after an episode of haemoptysis, which is
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    438 M.L. Chabiet al. Figure 3. Coronal (a) and sagittal (b) CT images showing pathognomonic aspergilloma: mass within a lung cavity surrounded by air, which is called the ‘‘air crescent’’ sign. Aspergilloma cannot be diagnosed on chest X ray (c), because the air crescent sign is not visible. Figure 4. a: tuberculosis sequelae in pulmonary apices on chest X ray; b and c: CT images demonstrate a fungus ball within a pulmonary cavity in the left lower lung apex, which is pathognomonic for aspergilloma. Chest X ray only demonstrates bilateral opacities with retraction of both lung apices. Figure 5. a: axial CT image showing a broncho-pleural fistula complicating left upper lobe resection; b: CT scan performed 1 year later shows thickening of the cavity walls; c: two years later, a fungus ball with ‘‘air crescent’’ sign is demonstrated. All chronic lung cavities can be colonized by Aspergillus and develop aspergilloma. The first sign of the saprophytic infection is usually a thickening of the cavity walls. the main complication. Aspergillomas remain stable in the majority of cases, but can also decrease in size or even spon- taneously resolve in about 10% of cases. Aspergillomas more rarely show size increase [10]. Other causes of ‘‘air crescent’’ sign include angio- invasive and chronic necrotizing aspergillosis. In these cases, there are no pre-existing cavities; radiological manifesta- tions appear within a few days in the angio-invasive forms and within several weeks or months in the chronic necrotiz- ing forms [11] (Fig. 6). Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis (former semi-invasive form) Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis (CNA) is a rare and poorly understood form of aspergillosis, which can mimic other chronic pulmonary infections (tuberculosis, histoplasmosis. . .). Its recognition and diagnosis are often delayed. CNA is a locally invasive disease that occurs in patients with chronic lung pathology [12] or mild immunodeficiency
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    Pulmonary aspergillosis 439 Figure6. ‘‘Air crescent’’ sign. Axial CT images of 3 different patients, showing a lung parenchyma opacity surrounded by an ‘‘air crescent’’ sign. This feature is not specific of saprophytic infection (aspergilloma; a), it can be seen in semi-invasive aspergillosis (chronic necrotizing aspergillosis; b) and in invasive aspergillosis (c). In the latter two cases (b and c), there was not any pre-existing lung cavity; the focal area of necrosis is due to fungal invasion. such as long-standing steroid therapy, diabetes, renal fail- ure, COPD. . . Radiologically, CNA is characterized by pulmonary consolidations, usually involving the upper lobes, with bronchiectasis. The consolidation progresses with time to cavitation over weeks to months [12,13]. As indicated earlier, a ‘‘fungal ball’’ with ‘‘air crescent sign’’ may develop in CNA as a secondary phenomenon due to the parenchymal destruction by the fungus [11] (Fig. 7). In 2003, Denning et al. proposed diagnostic criteria for CNA [14] (Boxed text). Boxed text: Denning’s criteria [14] for chronic necrotizing aspergillosis. • Chronic pulmonary or systemic symptoms (duration 3 months) compatible with CPA, including at least 1 of the following symptoms: weight loss, productive cough, or haemoptysis. • Cavitary pulmonary lesion with evidence of paracavitary infiltrates, new cavity formation, or expansion of cavity size over time. • Either positive result of serum Aspergillus precipitins test or isolation of Aspergillus spp. from pulmonary or pleural cavity. • Elevated levels of inflammatory markers (C- reactive protein, plasma viscosity, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate). • Exclusion of other pulmonary pathogens, by results of appropriate cultures and serological tests, that are associated with similar disease presentation, including mycobacteria and endemic fungi (especially Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum). • No overt immunocompromising conditions (e.g., HIV infection, leukemia, and chronic granulomatous disease). Invasive aspergillosis: angio-invasive and airway-invasive forms Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is an aggressive disease due to the invasion of the bronchial wall and the accompany- ing arterioles by the hyphae. This form primarily occurs in severely immuno-compromised patients, especially patients with neutropenia due to allogenic bone marrow transplan- tation or chemotherapy for acute leukemia [15], but also patients who received solid-organ transplantation, espe- cially lung transplantation [16]. The most important risk factor is neutropenia. The risk of invasive aspergillosis is strongly correlated with the duration and degree of neutropenia [11]. Symptoms are non-specific and usually mimic bron- chopneumonia, but also include pleuritic chest pain and haemoptysis [11]. Invasive aspergillosis is a diagnostic and therapeutic chal- lenge due to the high morbidity and mortality. There are two sub-categories of invasive aspergillosis, the airway-invasive form and the angio-invasive form. The airway-invasive form accounts for 15 to 30% of invasive aspergillosis, and is defined by the presence of Aspergillus deep to the basal membrane of the bronchi [17]. Radiologically, it can mimic bronchiolitis with patchy cen- trilobular nodules with tree-in-bud appearance, similar to those seen in endobronchial spread of tuberculosis. A bron- chopneumonia presentation is common, with confluence of peribronchial consolidations, similar to bacterial bronchop- neumonia [8,17] (Fig. 8). In rare cases, the fungal infection is entirely or pre- dominantly confined to the tracheobronchial tree. Acute Aspergillus tracheobronchitis usually occurs in lung trans- plantation recipients [16]. Radiologically, it may appear as tracheal or bronchial irregular wall thickening, with occa- sionally high attenuation aspect due to ability of Aspergillus to fix calcium. Atelectasis or endobronchial masses have even been described. However, most of the time, there are no detectable radiological abnormalities [8,18].
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    440 M.L. Chabiet al. Figure 7. Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis; a and b: axial CT images showing a right upper lobe consolidation with bronchectasis; c and d: correspond to CT images of the same patient 5 months (c) and 7 months (d) latter. Progressive cavitation of the initial consolidation is seen; e and f: are chest radiographs corresponding to CT scans images c and d. They show a progressive cavitation of the right upper lobe. Comparison with the first available chest X ray is crucial, to detect the progressive cavitation because changes occur slowly, which is the source of delayed diagnosis. The angio-invasive form is histologically characterized by the invasion and occlusion of small to medium-size pulmonary arteries by fungal hyphae [8]. Typical CT find- ings [8,17] consist in larges nodules surrounded by ground glass attenuation, which is called the ‘‘halo sign’’. Nod- ules are due to coagulation necrosis, whereas the halo of ground glass is due to surrounding alveolar haemorr- hage [19] (Fig. 9). Other findings are pleura-based areas of consolidation, similar to those seen in pulmonary infarcts complicating pulmonary embolism, correspond to haemor- rhagic infarcts. Differential diagnoses of ‘‘halo sign’’ in neu- tropenic patients include infections due to Candida, Herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus, Wegener gran- ulomatosis, haemorrhagic metastases and Kaposi sarcoma. Figure 8. Broncho-invasive aspergillosis in a 50-year-old man with allogenic bone marrow transplantation. Axial CT images (a, b) showing bilateral lobular consolidation with centrilobular nodules in the left lower lobe (b). These features are non-specific of fungal infection and could also be due to bacterial bronchopneumonia.
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    Pulmonary aspergillosis 441 Figure9. Angio-invasive aspergillosis in a 31-year-old-woman with lung transplantation. Axial CT image showing a large nod- ule in the right lower lobe surrounded by a halo of ground glass attenuation (halo sign). The occurrence of cavitation within a nodule or a consolidation is often concomitant with the resolution of neutropenia. In this late phase, the separation of the necrotic lung fragment from the adjacent lung parenchyma results in an ‘‘air crescent’’ sign similar to that observed in aspergilloma. Unlike saprophytic aspergillosis infection, the opacity surrounded by a crescent airspace develops in less than 2 weeks and without pre-existing cavity (Fig. 10). Therefore, it is essential to think in terms of immunolog- ical status and fastness of evolution in case of cavitation. There are increasing numbers of reports documenting invasive aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients with severe COPD, often with prolonged use of corticosteroid therapy [11]. Overlap between these various manifestations Beyond this segmentation in four forms it should be noted that an overlap between the main categories of Aspergillus- related diseases has been reported. Some forms could co-exist, especially allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis and aspergilloma [11,20]. Changes of local or systemic host immunity and of under- lying lung pathology can modify aspergillosis pulmonary manifestations with time. For example, an aspergilloma can develop within bronchiectasis in a patient with ABPA. An invasive form can complicate long-standing ABPA in case of systemic immune deficiency, including the use of high-dose of steroids [20]. Mycological diagnosis: which sample allows diagnosis? Sputum Direct examination can be made to identify the presence of filaments. The significance of isolating Aspergillus in sputum sam- ples depends on the immune status of the host. In immunocompetent patients, it represents at least a colo- nization, while it is highly predictive of invasive disease in immuno-compromised patients [11]. Conversely, negative sputum samples do not rule out aspergillosis, including inva- sive forms [11]. The results of cultures are often delayed. Serum Detection of IgG antibodies against A. fumigatus in the serum helps the diagnosis of aspergilloma or ABPA, the two forms of aspergillosis observed in immunocompetent indi- viduals [1]. It can be negative in patients on corticosteroid therapy. In contrast to immunocompetent hosts, growth of A. fumigatus in the tissues of an immunosuppressed host is not correlated with an increase in anti-Aspergillus antibody titers [1]. Consequently, detection of Aspergillus antigens in the serum is more useful for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis in immuno-compromised patients (ELISA, latex agglutina- tion). Galactomannan is the most commonly used antigen, it is a polysaccharide fungal cell wall component released during hyphal growth in tissues. It is reported that serum galactomannan can be detected several days before the presence of clinical symptoms, chest radiographic abnor- malities or positive culture [11]. Another possibility is the detection of A. fumigatus DNA by PCR. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) BAL is useful to identify Aspergillus by direct examination and culture. Figure 10. a: axial CT image in a leukemia patient showing a right upper lobe nodule surrounded by mild ground glass attenuation; b and c: axial and coronal CT images acquired 3 weeks later showing an ‘‘air crescent’’ sign surrounding a focal opacity. This feature is similar to aspergilloma but is relevant to a necrotic lung fragment in an angio-invasive form of aspergillosis.
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    442 M.L. Chabiet al. Further, as for serum, Aspergillus antigens (galactoman- nan) and A. fumigatus DNA (by PCR) can be detected in BAL [21]. Biopsy The histopathological examination of lung tissue with posi- tive culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis [11]. Nevertheless, surgical biopsies are infre- quently performed, only for diagnosis purposes in fragile patients. Conclusion The spectrum of respiratory diseases caused by Aspergillus is wide. It includes hypersensitivity in ABPA, saprophytic infection in pre-existing broncho-pulmonary diseases and semi-invasive or invasive forms in immuno-compromised patients. The correlation between the immunologic status of the host, an essential factor in the occurrence of Aspergillus- related lung diseases, and the radiological presentation is of major importance for accurate diagnosis of these diseases. Disclosure of interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest concerning this article. References [1] Latge JP. Aspergillus fumigatus and aspergillosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 1999;12(2):310—50. [2] Mandeel QA. Fungal contamination of some imported spices. Mycopathologia 2005;159(2):291—8. [3] Kagen SL. Aspergillus: an inhalable contaminant of marihuana. N Engl J Med 1981;304(8):483—4. [4] Agarwal R. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Chest 2009;135(3):805—26. [5] Agarwal R, Chakrabarti A, Shah A, Gupta D, Meis JF, Guleria R, et al. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: review of litera- ture and proposal of new diagnostic and classification criteria. Clin Exp Allergy 2013;43(8):850—73. [6] Stevens DA, Moss RB, Kurup VP, Knutsen AP, Greenberger P, Jud- son MA, et al. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in cystic fibrosis — state of the art: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Consensus Conference. Clin Infect Dis 2003;37(Suppl. 3):S225—64. [7] Knutsen AP, Slavin RG. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillo- sis in asthma and cystic fibrosis. Clin Dev Immunol 2011;2011:843763. [8] Franquet T, Muller NL, Gimenez A, Guembe P, de La Torre J, Bague S. Spectrum of pulmonary aspergillosis: histologic, clinical, and radiologic findings. Radiographics 2001;21(4): 825—37. [9] Glimp RA, Bayer AS. Pulmonary aspergilloma. Diagnos- tic and therapeutic considerations. Arch Intern Med 1983;143(2):303—8. [10] Gefter WB. The spectrum of pulmonary aspergillosis. J Thorac Imaging 1992;7(4):56—74. [11] Kousha M, Tadi R, Soubani AO. Pulmonary aspergillosis: a clin- ical review. Eur Respir Rev 2011;20(121):156—74. [12] Franquet T, Muller NL, Gimenez A, Domingo P, Plaza V, Bordes R. Semiinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: radiologic and pathologic findings in nine patients. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000;174(1):51—6. [13] Kim SY, Lee KS, Han J, Kim J, Kim TS, Choo SW, et al. Semi- invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: CT and pathologic findings in six patients. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000;174(3):795—8. [14] Denning DW, Riniotis K, Dobrashian R, Sambatakou H. Chronic cavitary and fibrosing pulmonary and pleural aspergillosis: case series, proposed nomenclature change, and review. Clin Infect Dis 2003;37(Suppl. 3):S265—80. [15] Bommart S, Bourdin A, Makinson A, Durand G, Micheau A, Monnin-Bares V, et al. Infectious chest complications in haematological malignancies. Diagn Interv Imaging 2013;94(2):193—201. [16] Hemmert C, Ohana M, Jeung MY, Labani A, Dhar A, Kessler R, et al. Imaging of lung transplant complications. Diagn Interv Imaging 2014;95(4):399—409. [17] Logan PM, Primack SL, Miller RR, Muller NL. Invasive aspergillo- sis of the airways: radiographic, CT, and pathologic findings. Radiology 1994;193(2):383—8. [18] Fernandez-Ruiz M, Silva JT, San-Juan R, de Dios B, Garcia- Lujan R, Lopez-Medrano F, et al. Aspergillus tracheobronchitis: report of 8 cases and review of the literature. Medicine 2012;91(5):261—73. [19] Greene RE, Schlamm HT, Oestmann JW, Stark P, Durand C, Lortholary O, et al. Imaging findings in acute invasive pul- monary aspergillosis: clinical significance of the halo sign. Clin Infect Dis 2007;44(3):373—9. [20] Buckingham SJ, Hansell DM. Aspergillus in the lung: diverse and coincident forms. Eur Radiol 2003;13(8):1786—800. [21] Reichenberger F, Habicht JM, Gratwohl A, Tamm M. Diagnosis and treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in neu- tropenic patients. Eur Respir J 2002;19(4):743—55.