Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. An increasingly common disorder among asthmatic patients.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), an immunologic disorder, is characterized by bronchial colonization with Aspergillus species, resulting in chronic antigenic stimulation. Hallmarks of the disorder are asthma, cutaneous and serologic evidence of hypersensitivity to Aspergillus organisms, and fleeting pulmonary infiltrates. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Early diagnosis, aggressive therapy, and serial monitoring of serum IgE levels usually prevent progression of ABPA to bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, and death.
University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento.
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RB
Richeson
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PE
Stander
D001229:Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage
D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D011241:Prednisone