Computed Tomography Images of Fibrotic Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Leading to Chronic Respiratory Failure (Sawahata et al., 2020)
There is currently no consensus on the morphology of severe fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis, a granulomatous disease that causes lesions in the lungs, and this paper examines computed tomography (CT) findings and progression. It finds that during progression, consolidations comprising ‘central-peripheral band’ progressed together with traction bronchiectasis clusters and peripheral cysts, resulting in upper lobe shrinkage. This may lead to respiratory failure with possible complications such as pulmonary hypertension and chronic progressive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Algorithm-Aided Diagnosis of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries By Use of a Lateral Flow Device (Kwizera et al., 2020)
There are major challenges in making a definitive diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) in resource-constrained settings. This paper describes improved diagnosis of CPA in routine clinical practice in a resource-limited setting using a lateral flow device with a run time of less than 30 minutes.
Effect of Caspofungin vs Fluconazole Prophylaxis on Invasive Fungal Disease Among Children and Young Adults With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial (Fisher et al., 2020)
This Canadian paper compares the efficacy of caspofungin versus fluconazole prophylaxis against proven or probable invasive fungal disease and invasive aspergillosis during neutropenia following acute myeloid leukemia chemotherapy. The results suggest that caspofungin may be considered for prophylaxis against invasive fungal disease. When compared with fluconazole, caspofungin resulted in significantly lower incidence of invasive fungal disease in children, adolescents, and young adults with acute myeloid leukemia.
Risk Factors For Relapse of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis After Discontinuation of Antifungal Therapy (Bongomin et al., 2020)
This retrospective study of patients from the National Aspergillosis Centre in Manchester, identifies the frequency and risk factors for CPA relapse following cessation of antifungal therapy. Bilateral CPA, i.e. CPA involving both lungs, is a risk factor for relapse after treatment discontinuation. A longer duration of treatment may be associated with a lower rate of relapse in extensive CPA, whereas more limited disease may respond to shorter courses.
