Abstract Background Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) has been accepted the criteria for the diagnosis of pulmonary Aspergillus infection. Whereas, either pathophysiology or signs of CPA remains still controversial. Methods In this study, we histopathologically investigated 25 specimens of CPA, surgically resected. Results 21 (84 %) of that comprised male. There were 21 cases with mild impairment of the immune system and/or a scar mostly due to old tuberculosis. There is a tendency for a negative correlation between peripheral blood white cell numbers and value level of beta-(1,3)-D-glucan. Four cases showed a granular fluorescent signal in granulation tissue surrounding the cavity without the fungal aspects itself. Conclusions In conclusion, acute inflammatory exudate along the terminal respiratory tract is most significant pathophysiolocial complication of the CPA, caused to organizing pneumonia, which derives fatal respiratory failure. In addition, the viability of fungus does not concern extension of exudative inflammation at the site of erosion along terminal airway.