Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis

**Definition:** Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) presents as nodular or cavitary lesion(s) in the lungs, of at least three months duration. It is caused by Aspergillus species as demonstrated on histological staining, by positive culture of biopsy, or positive Aspergillus IgG antibodies.

The most common form of CPA is chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA). Untreated it may progress to chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis (CFPA). Less common manifestations of CPA include Aspergillus nodule and single aspergilloma. All these entities are found in non-immunocompromised patients with prior or current lung disease. Subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (formerly called chronic necrotising pulmonary aspergillosis) is a more rapidly progressive infection (<3 months) usually found in moderately immunocompromised patients.