Cystic fibrosis complicated by allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Case contributed by Radiopaedia admin
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Pediatric patient with known cystic fibrosis presents with worsening cough. On examination, there was reduced air entry in the right upper lobe.

Patient Data

Age: 8 years
Gender: Male

There is nodular dense opacification in a finger-in-glove configuration overlying the right hilum and extending into the right upper lobe. This is likely to represent a combination of hilar lymphadenopathy and infective consolidation/bronchial plugging. In addition, there is perihilar consolidation on the left.

Case Discussion

Atopic patients are predisposed to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) through defective immuno-regulation. Both asthma and cystic fibrosis are strongly associated with atopy. Presenting symptoms raising the possibility of ABPA in these patient groups include worsening respiratory symptoms, low-grade fever, weight loss and malaise.  

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