Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis is an uncommon subacute form of Aspergillus infection. It typically occurs in immunocompromised individuals and in those with underlying lung disease. This interesting case highlights the occurrence of this entity of aspergillosis in an immunocompetent middle-aged woman with atypical radiological findings. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis presenting with pleural effusion.
Dermatomyositis is a rare rheumatic disease which predominantly affects the muscles and skin requiring a protracted course of immunosuppressants which may predispose the patients to opportunistic infections. A 49-year-old lady was diagnosed to have dermatomyositis in August 2010 based on history, significantly raised creatine kinase level and muscle biopsy findings. She had recurrent admissions due to fever, myalgia and muscle weakness. She had spiking temperature despite high dose steroids, broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungal agents. This prompted extensive investigation which leads us to the additional diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis involving the lungs, muscles and bones. This case demonstrates the challenge in controlling the disease activity of dermatomyositis with immunosuppressants in the setting of disseminated tuberculosis.