Open AccessRadiologic computed tomography features of Mycobacterium abscessus in cystic fibrosis
Author(s) -
Lam Diana L.,
Kapnadak Siddhartha G.,
Godwin J. David,
Kicska Gregory A.,
Aitken Moira L.,
Pipavath Sudhakar N.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the clinical respiratory journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.789
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1752-699X
pISSN - 1752-6981
DOI - 10.1111/crj.12536
Subject(s) - medicine , bronchiectasis , cystic fibrosis , sputum , mycobacterium abscessus , sputum culture , population , lung , radiology , nontuberculous mycobacteria , pathology , tuberculosis , mycobacterium , environmental health
Mycobacterium abscessus infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients can lead to poor outcomes. Early diagnosis is important, but there are no studies outlining specific imaging features of M. abscessus in CF. Objectives To describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of early M. abscessus infection in our CF population. Methods Thirteen CF patients with sputum cultures positive for M. abscessus from 2006 to 2013 were identified at our institution. Clinical characteristics including culture dates and lung function were reviewed. Positive cultures were classified as “disease” versus “colonization” based on published criteria. Chest CT scans were reviewed at times closest to initial infection, and features including bronchiectasis, mucous plugging, consolidation, ground glass opacities, nodules, and cavitation were evaluated. Brody scores were calculated to evaluate extent of CF lung disease. Results All patients had bronchiectasis and mucous plugging, with 10 of 13 (76.9%) in an upper lobe distribution. Consolidation was seen in 12 of 13 (92.3%) patients, 8 (61.5%) patients had nodules, and 5 (38.5%) with cavitation. The average Brody score was 59.5, which was no different than previously described CF cohorts without M. abscessus . There were no significant differences between subjects with disease versus colonization. Conclusion The most common CT features of early M. abscessus in our CF population include bronchiectasis, mucus plugging, and consolidation, but the findings did not reveal a unique radiologic signature. CT at this initial time point may not distinguish early M. abscessus infection from background lung disease or mycobacterial colonization in CF patients.