Angioinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis: presentation as massive pulmonary saddle embolism in an immunocompromised patient

Abstract

A 33 year old woman with chronic myelogenous leukemia presented with clinical symptoms and hemodynamic signs suggestive of pulmonary embolism. Initial angiographic studies supported the diagnosis of a massive saddle pulmonary embolus, and an inferior vena cava filter was inserted. However, subsequent autopsy revealed unsuspected angioinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis with secondary in situ thrombosis. The clinical features and diagnostic considerations in immunocompromised patients presenting with the clinical picture of pulmonary embolism are discussed.