title: Radiological abnormalities associated with Aspergillus colonization in a cystic fibrosis population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine if sputum colonization with Aspergillus species in patients with cystic fibrosis (PWCF) correlates with radiological abnormalities and/or a reduction in pulmonary function (FEV1).
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively evaluated 32 PWCF utilizing high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax and pulmonary function testing (PFT). The cohort was assessed as two groups: Aspergillus positive (n=16) and Aspergillus negative (n=16) based on sputum culture for Aspergillus species. A modified Bhalla scoring system was applied to each HRCT scan by two blinded radiologists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Aspergillus positive patients had more severe and significant bronchiectasis compared to those Aspergillus negative (p<0.05). This was most marked in the right upper and lower lobes (RUL, RLL). Total Bhalla score was clinically significant in both groups and approached statistical significance between groups (p=0.063). No difference in pulmonary function between the groups was detected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PWCF colonized by Aspergillus species have greater radiological abnormalities undetectable by PFTs. Early radiological evaluation of Aspergillus colonized PWCF is therefore warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Derby Road, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK. mmcm75@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Michelle A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: McMahon
authors.forename: Sanjay Haresh
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Chotirmall
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: McCullagh
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Branagan
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: McElvaney
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Logan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult