Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis presenting as thoracic mass causing obstruction of the superior and inferior vena cava in an immunocompetent patient: A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a disease of immunocompromised patients, but its prevalence is increasing in immunocompetent persons. Patients usually present with non-specific symptoms, sometimes consistent with bronchopneumonia. We discuss the case of a 19-year-old boy who presented with constitutional respiratory symptoms along with signs of obstruction of the superior and inferior vena cava. A chest radiograph was suggestive of a thoracic mass raising suspicion of bronchogenic carcinoma/benign mass, sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, but a diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis was established. The patient showed excellent clinico-radiological improvement with administration of voriconazole. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis may also present with atypical findings and should be considered in differentials when investigating a case even if the patient does not have a risk factor.