Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after near-drowning

Abstract

After near-drowning following a car accident, a 27-year-old man developed severe ARDS. Six days later Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in his sputum, and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis developed thereafter. Aspergillus titre increased, and chest tomograms revealed cavities in both lungs. The treatment consisted essentially of Amphotericin B and 5 fluorocytosine, intravenously and by inhalation, intensive postural drainage and mechanical ventilation with PEEP. After 41 days he was cured and discharged from the ICU. Six months later he returned to his job and clinical examination was normal.