Mandeep K Garg
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India
Title: Radiological findings in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
Biography
Biography: Mandeep K Garg
Abstract
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunological lung disorder occurring due to hypersensitivity reactions against the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Diagnosis of ABPA is based upon a set of clinical, immunological and radiological criteria. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis of ABPA. However, at times, diagnosis of ABPA can be challenging, despite well-established criteria. Radiologist should be familiar with imaging findings and various diagnostic criteria of ABPA, so as to give a more confident diagnosis. Role of imaging in ABPA is not only limited to diagnosis of central bronchiectasis. In recent years, imaging has been used for classification and prognostication of the disease. Certain imaging features like high attenuation mucus (HAM) are helpful in determining the immunological severity and disease relapse. ABPA has non-specific features on chest radiography. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis of bronchiectasis in ABPA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appears to have a promising role in evaluation of ABPA. Based upon presence of central bronchiectasis (CB) and HAM, ABPA can be classified based as ABPA-S (mild), ABPA-CB (moderate), and ABPA-CB-HAM (severe). This classification not only reflects immunological severity but also predicts the risk of recurrent relapses. In recent years, the role of radiology in ABPA has evolved. Radiology plays an important role not only in diagnosis but also in the classification and prognostication of the disease