Treatment of Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Case Study: P.J. was a 69-year-old woman who was referred to a large cancer center for an evaluation of brain and lung masses presumed to be cancerous lesions. During the three months before the referral, P.J. had experienced a gradual 40 lb weight loss, shortness of breath with exertion, chest pain, lip tremor, edema and progressive weakening of lower extremities, overall fatigue, and increasing balance and gait disturbances. Her diagnostic workup revealed aspergillosis in her lungs and brain. This case study reports the process of differentiating between cancer and fungal disease, antifungal treatment modalities used, and the multidisciplinary management approach used in the care of P.J.