Mucus plugs in peripheral bronchi: An unusual initial manifestation of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Nao Hiratani1, Akihito Okazaki1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine Kaga Medical Center Kaga Ishikawa Japan.

Clinical Case Reports
|August 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis can involve peripheral bronchi mucus plugs. This case highlights mucus plugs in both central and peripheral bronchi, evolving into consolidation.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an inflammatory lung disease.
  • ABPA is typically associated with central airway mucus plugging.
  • The role of peripheral bronchi in ABPA remains less understood.

Observation:

  • A 78-year-old female patient presented with mucus plugs.
  • Mucus plugs were observed in both central and peripheral bronchi of the right lung.
  • Imaging revealed high-attenuation mucus after one month.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates mucus plugs extending into the peripheral bronchi in ABPA.
  • Peripheral mucus plugging in ABPA can evolve into consolidation.
  • High-attenuation mucus suggests specific characteristics.

Implications:

  • This finding expands the understanding of ABPA's airway involvement.
  • Peripheral mucus plugs may be an under-recognized feature of ABPA.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the clinical significance of peripheral mucus plugging in ABPA.

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