galactomannan and Granulomatosis-with-Polyangiitis

In this case, the authors report Chaetomium globosum as a cause of invasive pulmonary infection in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis. Fungal hyphae (KOH and Calcofluor) were seen on direct microscopy of lung biopsy sample and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample. C. globosum isolated on culture clinched the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary infection by Chaetomium spp. A positive galactomannan of serum and BAL was repeatedly seen and was utilised for follow-up and as prognostic marker in patient management. The patient was successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B followed by voriconazole. All the Chaetomium infections reported till date since 1980 are reviewed. Chaetomium spp. with its unique ecology has a hidden clinical potential to cause invasive mould infections.

Topics: Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Chaetomium; False Positive Reactions; Female; Galactose; Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis; Humans; Lung; Lung Diseases, Fungal; Mannans; Middle Aged; Paranasal Sinuses; Sinusitis

Topics: Aged; Aspergillus fumigatus; Biopsy; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Galactose; Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis; Male; Mannans; Sensitivity and Specificity