aspergillus lung disease

Question 1

define aspergillus lung disease?

Answer 1

lung disease associated with aspergillus fungal infection.

Question 2

what are the three conditions aspergillus can cause?

Answer 2

• Aspergilloma
• Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Invasive Aspergillosis

Question 3

what is an aspergilloma and what are the presenting complaints?

Answer 3

o Growth of an A. fumigates mycetoma ball in a pre-existing lung cavity
o ASYMPTOMATIC
o Haemoptysis

Question 4

what is ABPA and what are the presenting complaints?

Answer 4

o Colonisation of the airways by Aspergillus leads to IgE and IgG-mediated immune responses commonly in asthmatics
o Signs of bronchoconstriction
o Recurrent episodes of pneumonia

Question 5

what is Invasive Aspergillosis and what are the presenting complaints?

Answer 5

o Dyspnoea
o Rapid deterioration
o Septic picture

Question 6

signs of aspergillomas on physical examination?

Answer 6

• Tracheal deviation

Question 7

signs of ABPA?

Answer 7

• Wheeze

Question 8

signs of invasive aspergillosis?

Answer 8

• Cyanosis

Question 9

investigations for aspergilloma?

Answer 9

CXR
• May show a round mass with a crescent of air around it

CT or MRI might be used

Question 10

investigations for ABPA?

Answer 10

o	Eosinophilia
o	Immediate skin test reactivity to Aspergillus antigens    
o	Raised specific serum IgE and IgG to A. fumigatus 
o	CXR 
•	Transient patchy shadows  
•	Fibrosis in the UPPER LOBES 
o	CT 
•	Lung infiltrates  
•	Central bronchiectasis

Question 11

investigations for invasive aspergillosis?

Answer 11

o Aspergillus is detected in cultures or by histological examination
o Chest CT
ground-glass appearance