Pulmonary pseudallescherioma associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

We report a case of fungus ball due to Pseudallescheria boydii ( pseudalles cherioma) associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Direct microscopica l examination revealed a fungus with broad septate hyphae resembling Asperg illus and the fungus was Identified as P. boydii on culture. Surgical resec tion was required to control episodes of hemoptysis. Cases of pulmonary pse udallescheriasis are rare, especially in Japan. However, some cases previou sly diagnosed as pulmonary aspergillosis may have been found to be caused b y P. boydii, if adequate culture studies had been conducted. Unlike Aspergi llus, P. boydii is resistant to amphotericin B. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of a correct diagnosis based on culture examination.