Original Article
Misinterpretation of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis/allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis due to diverse characteristics in different clinical stages
Abstract
Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) is a complex pulmonary disorder caused by a hyperimmune response to the endobronchial growth of certain fungi. This study aims to aid physicians in better understanding the need for earlier recognition of ABPM.
Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ABPM after evaluation were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical features, previous diagnoses and potential diagnostic errors, laboratory findings were reviewed and compiled.
Results: Fifty-seven patients were diagnosed with ABPM in which 22 were misdiagnosed. Eosinophilia was observed in 11 patients and an elevated total serum Ig E level greater than 1,000 kU/L was detected in 25 of the 57 patients. All of the patients were tested for specific Ig E in which positive to different fungi. The two most common abnormalities found on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) exams were central bronchiectasis and mucus plugs. A mild to moderate obstructive pattern of lung function was observed in 32 cases. By bronchofiberscopic observation, bronchial lumen was seen to have significant inflammation in 12 patients. After 3 weeks of treatment, a decreased serum total Ig E value was observed.
Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of non- Aspergillus-ABPM among physicians and draws attention to the need for establishing more elaborate diagnostic criteria for non-Aspergillus-ABPM, which is a rare kind of disease.
Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ABPM after evaluation were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical features, previous diagnoses and potential diagnostic errors, laboratory findings were reviewed and compiled.
Results: Fifty-seven patients were diagnosed with ABPM in which 22 were misdiagnosed. Eosinophilia was observed in 11 patients and an elevated total serum Ig E level greater than 1,000 kU/L was detected in 25 of the 57 patients. All of the patients were tested for specific Ig E in which positive to different fungi. The two most common abnormalities found on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) exams were central bronchiectasis and mucus plugs. A mild to moderate obstructive pattern of lung function was observed in 32 cases. By bronchofiberscopic observation, bronchial lumen was seen to have significant inflammation in 12 patients. After 3 weeks of treatment, a decreased serum total Ig E value was observed.
Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of non- Aspergillus-ABPM among physicians and draws attention to the need for establishing more elaborate diagnostic criteria for non-Aspergillus-ABPM, which is a rare kind of disease.
