Laryngeal aspergillosis in an aquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient

Aspergillosis is a rare infection. It varies considerably in its virulence depending on whether or not the patient affected is immunodepressed. The serious form is characterized by vascular invasion with haematogenic dissemination, tissue infarction and necrosis. The most often affected site is the lung. A laryngeal localization is exceptional and usually results from dissemination from a lower airways portal of entry. Diagnosis is difficult: cultures are only positive in 50 per cent of cases, while in 60 per cent of cases the characteristic histological features reminiscent of sprigs of mistletoe are only found on postmortem examination. In view of the high morbidity and mortality in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) sufferers, this condition must be treated early and aggressively. Treatment is based essentially on amphotericin B and itraconazole.