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Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
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Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

Radiological abnormalities associated with Aspergillus colonization in a cystic fibrosis population

Michelle A McMahon1, Sanjay Haresh Chotirmall, Brian McCullagh

  • 1Department of Radiology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Derby Road, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK. mmcm75@yahoo.com

European Journal of Radiology
|February 26, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aspergillus colonization in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is linked to increased lung abnormalities on CT scans, but not to reduced lung function. Early radiological assessment is recommended for Aspergillus-colonized CF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients are susceptible to respiratory infections.
  • Aspergillus species colonization is common in CF airways.
  • The clinical impact of Aspergillus colonization on CF lung disease is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between Aspergillus species sputum colonization and radiological abnormalities in CF patients.
  • To assess the relationship between Aspergillus colonization and pulmonary function (FEV1) in CF patients.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of 32 CF patients.
  • High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax and pulmonary function testing (PFT) were performed.
  • Patients were grouped based on sputum culture for Aspergillus species (positive n=16, negative n=16).
  • A modified Bhalla scoring system was used to assess HRCT scans.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus-positive CF patients exhibited more severe bronchiectasis, particularly in the right upper and lower lobes, compared to Aspergillus-negative patients (p<0.05).
  • Total Bhalla scores were clinically significant in both groups, with a trend towards significance between groups (p=0.063).
  • No significant difference in pulmonary function (FEV1) was detected between the Aspergillus-positive and Aspergillus-negative groups.

Conclusions:

  • Aspergillus colonization in CF patients is associated with greater radiological abnormalities on HRCT.
  • These radiological changes are not reflected in standard pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
  • Early radiological evaluation is warranted for CF patients colonized with Aspergillus species.

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