Palliative percutaneous treatment under x-ray computed tomographic control of inoperable pulmonary aspergilloma. Apropos of 30 cases

The authors report 30 cases of the percutaneous treatment of symptomatic pulmonary aspergilloma by injection of amphotericine paste in patients who were not considered to be operable. The treated aspergillomas had developed as a sequel to bacilliary infection and pulmonary fibrosis. Surgery was contraindicated in these patients on account of severe respiratory failure. The authors specify the technique for the preparation of the paste and for the type of percutaneous injection, the aim being to obtain complete filling of the cavity and creating an anaerobic environment for the aspergillus. The contribution of this technique for the non-surgical treatment of patients appears interesting but should be carried on a larger series to identify the exact indications and the interaction with other new treatments which have just appeared.