A Case of Invasive Aspergillosis Involving Lung and Brain in Patient with Acute Leukemia / 대한혈액학회지

ABSTRACT

Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening infectious disease in immunocompromised patients. Aspergillus is an ubiquitous mold present as normal flora in paranasal sinus, nose, skin and lung. The most important determinant of infection is the immune status of the patient, not the intensity of exposure. In acute leukemia and bone marrow transplantation, prolonged neutropenia is probably the most important predisposing factor. We experienced a case of invasive aspergillosis involving lung and brain in patient with acute leukemia during remission-induction chemotherapy. Invasive aspergillosis involving lung and brain was diagnosed by sputum culture, computed tomography (CT) guided lung biopsy and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Early diagnosis and prompt treatment for invasive aspergillosis are essential for lowering mortality in immunocompromised patients.