Invasive aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient with fever and a cardiac mass

Abstract

Invasive aspergillosis is an often fatal disease that usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of invasive aspergillosis presenting as a febrile respiratory infection with a cardiac mass in an immunocompetent patient. Invasive asper -gillosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an otherwise undiagnosed invasive febrile respiratory illness, even in immunocompetent patients. Echocardio graphy should be performed to evaluate for endocarditis in such cases. Prompt initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy is warranted, even before the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is confirmed. © M.LaBarbera and L.B. Jacobson, 2011 Licensee PAGEPress, Italy.