Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

High attenuation mucoid impaction in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Ritesh Agarwal1

  • 1Ritesh Agarwal, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector-12, Chandigarh 160012, India.

World Journal of Radiology
|December 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) involves a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus. This review explores the clinical significance of hyperdense mucus, a less common finding in ABPA patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Mycology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity lung disease.
  • It is primarily associated with Aspergillus fumigatus fungal antigens.
  • ABPA commonly affects patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical significance of hyperattenuated mucus in ABPA.
  • To understand the implications of mucus density on computed tomography (CT) in ABPA patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ABPA and mucus characteristics on CT.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations and radiological findings associated with hyperattenuated mucus.

Main Results:

  • Hyperattenuated mucus is observed in up to 20% of ABPA patients.
  • Clinical manifestations of ABPA include refractory asthma, hemoptysis, and systemic symptoms.
  • Radiological findings include central bronchiectasis and mucus plugging, which can be hyperdense.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperattenuated mucus is a notable radiological finding in a subset of ABPA patients.
  • Understanding mucus density aids in the diagnosis and management of ABPA.
  • Further research may clarify the specific clinical implications of hyperattenuated mucus in ABPA.
Keywords:
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosisAspergillusHigh attenuation mucusHyperdense mucusMucoid impaction

More Related Videos

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways10:06

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways

Published on: December 13, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...