Case Report: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis and Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia Co-Occurrence Masquerading as Refractory Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Feb 13;110(3):509-511. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0450. Print 2024 Mar 6.

Abstract

Pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are characterized by pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph and elevated levels of eosinophils in the peripheral blood. Among patients with these disorders, reports of either allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) or tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) are common. However, the simultaneous occurrence of ABPA and TPE is not often reported. We present the case of a young man with a history of asthma who was diagnosed with ABPA and TPE. Initially, the patient exhibited a partial response to treatment of ABPA, but persistent symptoms and eosinophilia led to suspicion and subsequent diagnosis of TPE. With implementation of antifilarials and steroids, the patient experienced satisfactory clinical and serological improvements. This case underscores the importance of considering multiple diagnoses in patients with overlapping symptoms and highlights the need for comprehensive management strategies in complex lung diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary* / complications
  • Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary* / diagnosis
  • Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary* / drug therapy
  • Asthma* / complications
  • Asthma* / diagnosis
  • Eosinophils
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia* / complications
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia* / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia* / drug therapy