Improved Management of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Neutropenic Patients Using Early Thoracic Computed Tomographic Scan and Surgery

Purpose: The prognosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) occurring in neutropenic patients remains poor. We studied whether new strategies for early diagnosis could improve outcome in these patients.

Patients And Methods: Twenty-three histologically proven and 14 highly probable IPAs in 37 hematologic patients (neutropenic in 36) were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: The most frequent clinical signs associated with IPA were cough (92%), chest pain (76%), and hemoptysis (54%). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was positive in 22 of 32 cases. Aspergillus antigen test was positive in 83% of cases when tested on BAL fluid. Since October 1991, early thoracic computed tomographic (CT) scans were systematically performed in febrile neutropenic patients with pulmonary x-ray infiltrates. This approach allowed us to recognize suggestive CT halo signs in 92% of patients, compared with 13% before this date, and the mean time to IPA diagnosis was reduced dramatically from 7 to 1.9 days. Among 36 assessable patients, 10 failed to respond (amphotericin B [AmB] plus fluorocytosyne, n = 2; itraconazole + AmB, n = 8) and died of aspergillosis. Twenty-six patients were cured or improved by antifungal treatment (itraconazole with or without AmB, n = 22; voriconazole, n = 4). In 15 of 16 cases, surgical resection was combined successfully with medical treatment. Achievement of hematologic response, early diagnosis, unilateral pulmonary involvement, and highest level of fibrinogen value < 9 g/L were associated with better outcome.

Conclusion: In febrile neutropenic patients, systematic CT scan allows earlier diagnosis of IPA. Early antifungal treatment, combined with surgical resection if necessary, improves IPA prognosis dramatically in these patients.