Aspergillus Lung Disease Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Aspergillus Lung Disease Deck (17)
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1
Q

What is aspergillus.

A

A group of fungi.

2
Q

How can aspergillus affect the lungs. (5)

A
Asthma. 
Allergic bronchopulmonayr aspergillosis (ABPA). 
Aspergilloma (mycetoma). 
Invasive aspergillosis. 
Extrinsic alveolar alveolitis (EAA).
3
Q

Why can aspergillus cause asthma.

A

Causes a type 1 hypersensitivity (atopic) reaction to the fungal spores.

4
Q

What does ABPA result from.

A

From type 1 and type 3 hypersensitivity reactions to aspergillus fumigatus.

5
Q

Who is affected by ABPA. (2)

A

1-5% of asthmatics.

2-25% of CF patients.

6
Q

What are the clinical features of ABPA. (2)

A

Early on, the allergic response causes bronchoconstriction.

As the inflammation persists, [permanent damage occurs, causing bronchiectasis.

7
Q

What are the symptoms of ABPA. (5)

A
Wheeze. 
Cough.
Sputum. 
Dyspnoea. 
Recurrent pneumonia.
8
Q

What is seen on CXR of a patient with ABPA. (2)

A

Transient segmental collapse or consolidation.

Bronchiectasis.

9
Q

What is aspergilloma.

A

A fungus ball within a pre-existing cavity.

10
Q

What is the cause of the pre-existing cavity that aspergilloma occurs in. (2)

A

Usually TB or sarcoidosis.

11
Q

What are the symptoms of aspergillomas. (5)

A
May be asymptomatic. 
Cough. 
Haemoptysis (may be torrential). 
Lethargy. 
Weight loss.
12
Q

What is usually seen on CXR of a patient with aspergilloma. (2)

A

Round opacity within a cavity.

Usually apical.

13
Q

What are the risk factors for invasive aspergillosis. (5)

A
Immunocompromised (HIV, leukaemia).
Burns. 
Wegener's. 
SLE. 
After broad spectrum antibiotic therapy.
14
Q

What is seen on CXR of a patient with invasive aspergillosis. (2)

A

Consolidation.

Abscess.

15
Q

What can cause EAA.

A

Sensitivity to aspergillus clavitus (‘malt worker’s lung).

16
Q

What are the clinical features of EAA.

A

As for any other cause of EAA.

17
Q

What complications may aspergillomas cause. (3)

A

Infection.
Infarction.
Malignancy.