Calcium oxalate in the sputum may aid in the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis: A report of two cases

Abstract

We present two cases of pulmonary aspergillosis in which calcium oxalate crystals in the sputum proved to be a useful diagnostic clue. In case 1, Aspergillus hyphae was not identified; however, calcium oxalate crystals were present, and chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis was diagnosed. In case 2, calcium oxalate was detected and Aspergillus fumigatus was identified later. Thus, the presence of calcium oxalate in the sputum may be an important indicator for an A. fumigatus infection.

Keywords

• Pulmonary aspergillosis
• Calcium oxalate
• Aspergillus fumigatus