Aspergillus Lung Disease Flashcards
What is aspergillus.
A group of fungi.
How can aspergillus affect the lungs. (5)
Asthma. Allergic bronchopulmonayr aspergillosis (ABPA). Aspergilloma (mycetoma). Invasive aspergillosis. Extrinsic alveolar alveolitis (EAA).
Why can aspergillus cause asthma.
Causes a type 1 hypersensitivity (atopic) reaction to the fungal spores.
What does ABPA result from.
From type 1 and type 3 hypersensitivity reactions to aspergillus fumigatus.
Who is affected by ABPA. (2)
1-5% of asthmatics.
2-25% of CF patients.
What are the clinical features of ABPA. (2)
Early on, the allergic response causes bronchoconstriction.
As the inflammation persists, [permanent damage occurs, causing bronchiectasis.
What are the symptoms of ABPA. (5)
Wheeze. Cough. Sputum. Dyspnoea. Recurrent pneumonia.
What is seen on CXR of a patient with ABPA. (2)
Transient segmental collapse or consolidation.
Bronchiectasis.
What is aspergilloma.
A fungus ball within a pre-existing cavity.
What is the cause of the pre-existing cavity that aspergilloma occurs in. (2)
Usually TB or sarcoidosis.
What are the symptoms of aspergillomas. (5)
May be asymptomatic. Cough. Haemoptysis (may be torrential). Lethargy. Weight loss.
What is usually seen on CXR of a patient with aspergilloma. (2)
Round opacity within a cavity.
Usually apical.
What are the risk factors for invasive aspergillosis. (5)
Immunocompromised (HIV, leukaemia). Burns. Wegener's. SLE. After broad spectrum antibiotic therapy.
What is seen on CXR of a patient with invasive aspergillosis. (2)
Consolidation.
Abscess.
What can cause EAA.
Sensitivity to aspergillus clavitus (‘malt worker’s lung).
