Validación de la reacción de polimerasa en cadena en tiempo real como herramienta diagnóstica en la aspergilosis asociada a COVID-19 en pacientes hospitalizados en Clínica Dávila de Santiago, Chile, durante los años 2020 y 2021 / Validation of real-time PCR as a diagnostic tool in aspergillosis associated with COVID-19 in patients hospitalized at Clínica Dávila at Santiago, Chile, during the years 2020 and 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN: Desde el inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 se han registrado casos de infecciones de aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a esta infección, la cual tiene características diferentes a la aspergilosis pulmonar clásica y, por lo tanto, han significado un desafío diagnóstico. OBJETIVO: Validar una reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) en tiempo real (sigla en inglés RT-PCR) comercial, como herramienta diagnóstica alternativa a la técnica de galactomanano (GM) en el diagnóstico de aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a COVID-19 (sigla en inglés CAPA). PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se analizaron resultados de RT-PCR de Aspergillus spp y GM en lavado bronco-alveolar (LBA) de 72 pacientes, hospitalizados por COVID-19 de Clínica Dávila entre los años 2020 y 2021. De estos pacientes, 33 presentaron CAPA. RESULTADOS: La RT-PCR de Aspergillus y GM presentaron una correlación positiva (r = 0,6351, valor p < 0,0001). La técnica de RT-PCR presentó una sensibilidad (S), especificidad (E), valor predictor positivo (VPP) y valor predictor negativo (VPN) de 100, 44, 66 y 100%, respectivamente, mientras que en GM fueron de 64, 89, 84 y 73%, respectivamente para LBA. Al utilizar ambas técnicas en combinación se obtuvo una S, E, VPP y VPN de 100, 82, 88 y 100%, respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio concluyó que usar una técnica de RT-PCR de Aspergillus y GM en conjunto en LBA mejoraron los parámetros de desempeño de ambas técnicas usadas de manera individual para diagnosticar CAPA. Se requieren más estudios para evaluar el desempeño de técnicas combinadas en otros tipos de aspergilosis.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been cases of pulmonary aspergillosis infections associated with this infection, which has different characteristics from classical pulmonary aspergillosis and therefore, have been diagnostic challenges. AIM: To validate a commercial real-time PCR (RT-PCR) method as an alternative diagnostic tool to the galactomannan (GM) technique in the diagnosis of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). METHODS: Results of RT-PCR of Aspergillus spp and GM in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) of 72 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at Clínica Dávila between 2020 and 2021 were analyzed. Of these patients, 33 presented CAPA. RESULTS: The RT-PCR for Aspergillus and GM showed a positive correlation (r = 0.6351, p-value < 0.0001). The RT-PCR for Aspergillus technique presented a sensitivity (S), specificity (S), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100, 44, 66 and 100% respectively, while the GM technique presented 64, 89, 84 and 73%, respectively for BAL. Using both techniques in combination a S, E, PPV and NPV of 100, 82, 88 and 100% were obtained respectively. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that using RT-PCR and GM techniques in combination in BAL improved the performance parameters of both techniques from those used individually to diagnose CAPA. Further studies are required to evaluate the performance of combined techniques in other aspergillosis focus.

Aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a COVID-19 en pacientes críticos: experiencia de un hospital público chileno / COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients: experience of a Chilean public hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se han descrito coinfecciones fúngicas por Aspergillus spp. en pacientes críticos cursando una infección por COVID-19. OBJETIVOS: Describir las características clínicas, diagnóstico, tratamiento y evolución de pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo con COVID-19, que cursan con aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a COVID-19 (CAPA por sus siglas en inglés) en un centro hospitalario público. Pacientes y MÉTODOS: Revisión de registros clínicos durante 12 meses en pacientes con diagnóstico de CAPA mediante cultivos de muestras respiratorias o determinación de galactomanano (GM). RESULTADOS: En 11 pacientes se diagnosticó CAPA probable (score APACHE II promedio de 11,7). Las muestras respiratorias se obtuvieron en 73% de los casos por lavado broncoalveolar y en 27% por aspirado endotraqueal. Se aisló A. fumigatus en 4 cultivos, A. niger, A. terreus y Aspergillus spp en una ocasión cada uno y los cultivos fueron negativos en 4 muestras. En 7 pacientes se realizó GM de muestras respiratorias, mediana: 3,6 (RIC: 1,71 - 4,4), en 10 pacientes se realizó GM sérica, mediana: 0,5 (RIC: 0,265 - 0,975) con 50% de ellas > 0,5. Dos pacientes mostraron hallazgos sugerentes de CAPA en la tomografía computada. Todos recibieron terapia anti-fúngica con voriconazol, con una duración promedio 14 días. Cuatro pacientes fallecieron. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de CAPA debe ser un diagnóstico a considerar en pacientes críticos con COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Aspergillus spp. fungal coinfections have been described in critically ill COVID-19 patients. AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and evolution of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome with COVID-19, who present with COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in a single public hospital. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical records during 12 months in patients diagnosed with CAPA by cultures of respiratory samples or determination of galactomannan (GM). RESULTS: Probable CAPA was diagnosed in 11 patients (average APACHE II score of 11.7). Respiratory samples were obtained in 73% of cases by bronchoalveolar lavage and in 27% by tracheal aspirate. A. fumigatus was isolated in 4 cultures, A. niger, A. terreus and Aspergillus spp on one occasion each and the cultures were negative in 4 samples. Respiratory sample GM was performed in 7 patients, median: 3.6 (IQR: 1.71 - 4.4). In 10 patients, serum GM was performed, median: 0.5 (IQR: 0.265 - 0.9 75) with 50% of them > 0.5. Two patients showed classic findings suggestive of CAPA on computed tomography. All received antifungal therapy with voriconazole, mean time 14 days. Four patients died. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CAPA should be a diagnosis to be considered in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in a pregnant woman

Viral or bacterial co-infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been reported in the literature. However, the knowledge on Aspergillus co-infection among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited. COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been seen in critically ill COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which has raised concerns about the worsening disease course of COVID-19 and increasing mortality. We describe a clinical case of CAPA infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with a deathly outcome in a previously well, non-immunocompromised pregnant woman with intrauterine death of the fetus. Hence, we suggest that clinicians and pathologists keep alerting the possible occurrence of pulmonary aspergillosis in severe/critical COVID-19 patients, and aggressive investigations should be done to rule out the possibility of CAPA so that early treatment can be administrated.

Diagnóstico de un caso inusual de micetoma por Aspergillus / Diagnosis of an unusual case of Mycetoma due to Aspergillus

Introducción: Las aspergilosis comprenden un amplio y heterogéneo grupo de enfermedades oportunistas causadas por hongos del género Aspergillus, considerados como una causa inusual de infección. Es la causa más frecuente de muerte por neumonía infecciosa e infección diseminada o respiratoria oportunista, en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas de un caso inusual de aspergilosis pulmonar. Caso clínico: Paciente de 56 años de edad con antecedentes personales de hepatopatía alcohólica, ingresado por episodios de expectoración con sangre y tos seca. Se realizaron estudios de laboratorio, imagenológicos y anatomopatológicos que condujeron al diagnóstico de micetoma por Aspergillus fumigatus, lo cual posibilitó indicar el tratamiento adecuado y realizar el seguimiento clínico. Conclusiones: La infección por Aspergillus fumigatus debe ser considerada por el médico de cabecera, debido a que su reporte constituye una herramienta para que pueda establecer una terapéutica temprana y adecuada, dada sus implicaciones pronósticas, su morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes inmunodeprimidos(AU)

Introduction: Aspergillosis comprises a wide and heterogeneous group of opportunistic diseases caused by fungi of the Aspergillus genus, considered as an unusual cause of infection. It is the most frequent cause of death from infectious pneumonia and disseminated or opportunistic respiratory infection in immunocompromised patients. Objectives: Describe the clinical characteristics of an unusual case of pulmonary aspergillosis. Case report: 56-year-old patient with a personal history of alcoholic liver disease, admitted due to episodes of expectoration with blood and dry cough. Laboratory, imaging, and pathological studies were conducted that led to the diagnosis of mytoma by Aspergillus fumigatus, which made it possible to indicate the appropriate treatment and perform clinical follow-up. Conclusions: Aspergillus fumigatus infection should be considered by the attending physician, because his report constitutes a tool for him to establish an early and adequate therapy, given its prognostic implications and for its morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients(AU)

Coexistencia de Aspergilosis e Hidatidosis Pulmonar. Reporte de un caso / Coexistence of Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Hydatidosis. Case report

RESUMEN La hidatidosis es una zoonosis causada por el parásito Echinococcus granulosus. Perú es una zona endémica para esta infección, presentamos el caso de una mujer de 33 años, procedente de la región de Ica; que durante la gestación se le diagnosticó hidatidosis hepática y pulmonar y posterior al término de la gestación fue referida con tubo de drenaje torácico, disnea y dolor torácico en hemitórax derecho, de curso progresivo e imagen tomográfica de tórax que mostró quiste pulmonar basal posterior derecho. Los exámenes serológicos fueron positivos, la paciente fue sometida a resección quirúrgica con resultado histopatológico de quiste hidatídico pulmonar complicado no viable y estructura micótica consistente con aspergiloma. La coexistencia de estas dos entidades es rara y pueden ser amenazas potenciales para los pacientes. El diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos son vitales para prevenir posibles complicaciones como la hemoptisis masiva o incluso enfermedad invasiva.

ABSTRACT Hydatidosis is a zoonosis caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus and Peru is an endemic zone for this infection. We present the case of a 33-year old woman from the region of Ica who, during gestation, was diagnosed with liver and pulmonary hydatidosis. After gestation was terminated, she was referred with thoracic drainage tube, dyspnea, and thoracic pain in right hemithorax, with progressive course and tomographic image of thorax showing right posterior basal pulmonary cyst. The serological analysis was positive, the patient underwent surgical resection with histopathologic result as complex non-viable pulmonary hydatidic cyst and mycotic structure consistent with aspergilloma. The coexistence of these two diseases is rare and can mean potential threats for patients. The early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent possible complications such as massive hemoptysis or even invasive disease.

Co-existence of HIV, active tuberculosis and aspergilloma in a single individual - A case report.

Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease as old as mankind, whereas in India the first case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was reported in 1986. HIV and TB are so closely connected that their relationship is often described as a coepidemic. Aspergilloma (Fungal Ball, Mycetoma) represents a saprophytic growth of aspergillus that colonizes in the preformed cavities commonly due to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). We report a case of HIV, active pulmonary tuberculosis and aspergilloma occurring in the same patient. Despite our best efforts, we could not lay our hands on any similar case in the medical literature.

Haemoptysis after four years of lobectomy for aspergilloma.

We present a case of a 26-year-old male who underwent lobectomy for life-threatening haemoptysis due to aspergilloma in an old tuberculosis left upper lobe cavity who presented with recurrence of haemoptysis four years after the surgery. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed Aspergillus colonisation in the ectatic residual bronchus which is an uncommon complication of lobectomy. The patient was successfully managed with antifungal agents.

Resección quirúrgica de aspergiloma en paciente inmunosuprimido: presentación de un caso clínico / Surgical resection of aspergilloma in immunosupressed patient: a case report

Aspergillosis refers to the spectrum of disease caused by Aspergillus species. The aspergilloma is the most common and best-recognized form of pulmonary involvement due to Aspergillus; usually developing in a preformed lung cavity and the principal association is with Tuberculosis. The true incidence of aspergilloma is not known. Although frequently asymptomatic, the presence of a fungus ball due to Aspergillus may cause hemoptysis and in cases can be fatal, with a variable mortality ranging between 9 to 30 percent. Aspergilloma usually comes to clinical attention as an incidental finding, thus the diagnosis involve clinical and radiological findings confirmed by pathology. There is no consistent evidence that aspergilloma. Responds to antifungal agents, and these drugs rarely achieve the minimal inhibitory concentrations within the lung cavities. Surgical resection, despite a high morbidity, is the only proven therapy for these cases.

La aspergilosis se refiere al espectro de enfermedades ocasionadas por la especie de Aspergillus. El aspergiloma es la forma más reconocida y común de la afección pulmonar relacionada a dicha especie, generalmente se desarrolla en una cavidad pulmonar pre-existente, la principal asociación es con secuelas de tuberculosis. Se desconoce la incidencia a nivel mundial. La mayoría de los pacientes se manifiestan asintomáticos; en raras ocasiones, debutan con hemoptisis mayor, con una mortalidad variable que oscila entre el 9 a 30 por ciento. El diagnóstico se basa en los hallazgos clínicos, imagenología y confirmados por patología. El tratamiento farmacológico no ha demostrado ser de gran utilidad, en tanto que, la cirugía a pesar de una elevada morbilidad podría ser el tratamiento de elección.

Pulmonary Spergilloma : An Interesting Case.

In many cases, the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergilloma become difficult on the basis of radiological sign by chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan as it can produce wide variety of radiographic changes. Often there is a diagnostic dilemma between lung malignancy and pulmonary aspergilloma. The diagnosis also can be established by sputum examination and culture. In our case, we report a 40-year old male presented with cough and hemoptysis. He was subsequently diagnosed as a case of pulmonary aspergilloma on the basis of evidence of radiological findings mainly.