Dual pulmonary Aspergillus-Mucor co-infection in a post-tubercular cavity presenting as recurrent hemoptysis: A case report

Abstract

A dual pulmonary co-infection with Aspergillus and Mucor is reported in a 65-year-old female with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease, who experienced non-progressive hemoptysis for 5 days. Computed tomography revealed a 4 × 4 cm cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe with potential vascular involvement. Following the recurrence of hemoptysis despite embolization, right upper lobectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed broad ribbon-like aseptate hyphae consistent with Mucorales, along with thin septate hyphae with acute-angle branching consistent with Aspergillus species. The patient recovered uneventfully after surgery. This case highlights the importance of considering mixed fungal infections in high-risk patients presenting with cavitary lung lesions.