Misdiagnosis of persistent asthma of a patient suffering from acute bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
Date
2021-09-12
Authors
Abuzneid, Yousef S.
Yaghi, Yasmine
Madia, Arein
Salhab, Nataly
Amro, Naser
Abukhalaf, Sadi A.
Kharraz, Mohammad
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a condition characterized by an exaggerated
immune response (a hypersensitivity response) to the fungus Aspergillus (most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus).
ABPA causes airway inflammation that if left untreated can lead to bronchiectasis (an abnormal dilation of the
airways) due to the immune system and fungal spores damaging sensitive lung tissues and ultimately leading to
scarring.
Case presentation: We present a case of a 32-year-old female patient who was misdiagnosed with persistent
asthma and treated accordingly for several months until a reexamination was done and a diagnosis of ABPA was
concluded. Treatment was altered which led to the successful recovery of the patient.
Conclusion: A reevaluation of the patients’ condition was needed to arrive to the correct diagnosis and to put her
on the correct treatment as an ABPA patient instead of persistent asthma, concluding that the medical history and
physical examination are both of vital significance to stipulate a correct diagnosis.
Description
Keywords
Acute bronchopulmonary aspergillosis , Asthma , Immune response , Case report