Cytology of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
The cytologic features of a case of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) are reported and the literature reviewed. The bronchial brushing smears in this case showed mucus that contained laminated aggregates of eosinophils with scattered Charcot-Leyden crystals and fungal hyphae. These cytologic findings, overlooked by the initial examining pathologist, reflected the "mucoid impaction of bronchi" component of ABPA and are therefore diagnostic of ABPA. A cytologic diagnosis of a clinically unsuspected ABPA would lead to the correct treatment and prevent unnecessary surgery.
Chen
K T
KT
Department of Pathology, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Fresno, CA 93720.
D000328:Adult; D001229:Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary / Q000473:pathology*; D003460:Crystallization; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans