Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: review of 20 cases

An account of clinical, radiological and laboratory findings in 20 cases of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, seen over a period of 6 years is presented. All patients showed blood eosinophilia (with 30% having an absolute eosinophil count (AEC) of over 2000 mm3) and a positive immediate skin reaction. However, dual skin reaction with Aspergillus fumigatus antigen was observed in 7 (35%) cases. Serum precipitins against A. fumigatus antigen was detected in all cases while culture of sputum yielded A. fumigatus in 15 (75%) cases. Areas of consolidations of various sizes, shapes and number (80%) and irregular infiltrations (60%), either shifting in nature (85%) or recurrent at same site (35%), were the main radiological findings.