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Cystic fibrosis in an elderly woman
1Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Insights
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is rarely diagnosed after age 30. This report details an unusual case of CF diagnosed in a patient over 60 years old, highlighting diagnostic challenges in later life.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is typically diagnosed in childhood.
- Therapeutic advancements have increased patient lifespan into adulthood.
- Pulmonary internists increasingly manage adult CF patients.
Observation:
- Late-onset cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis is uncommon.
- Diagnosis after age 30 is unusual.
- Diagnosis after age 60 is exceptionally rare.
Findings:
- Presents a rare case of cystic fibrosis diagnosed after the age of 60.
- Illustrates the challenges in diagnosing CF in elderly patients.
- Contributes to understanding the spectrum of CF presentation.
Implications:
- Suggests a need for increased clinical suspicion for CF in older adults with relevant symptoms.
- Highlights the importance of considering CF in differential diagnoses for respiratory conditions in later life.
- Underscores the evolving clinical landscape of CF due to improved longevity.
Abstract:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is thought of by most physicians as a disease of children. Advances in therapy have extended the life span of patients so that many pulmonary internists have responsibility for the care of young adults with CF. Nevertheless, the initial diagnosis of CF after the age of 30 years is unusual, and a diagnosis after the age of 60 years is rare. Such a case is reported here.