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Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: an overview
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Dani.S.Zander@uth.tmc.edu
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|June 25, 2005
Summary
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a lung disease complicating asthma or cystic fibrosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent irreversible lung damage and bronchiectasis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an infrequent complication.
- It commonly affects patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis.
- Untreated ABPA can lead to progressive bronchiectasis and lung damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of ABPA.
- To discuss its pathologic manifestations, patient characteristics, and clinical features.
- To review current knowledge on pathogenesis and diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge.
- Discussion of clinical, radiographic, and laboratory diagnostic criteria.
- Emphasis on morphologic confirmation by pathologists.
Main Results:
- ABPA presents with characteristic pathologic findings.
- Key patient features, clinical signs, and lab results are outlined.
- Diagnostic criteria aid in identifying most cases.
Conclusions:
- Recognition of ABPA is vital for managing asthma and cystic fibrosis patients.
- Prompt diagnosis prevents severe lung sequelae.
- Pathologists play a role in confirming challenging cases.