Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

A case of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is presented, followed by a discussion of the clinical characteristics, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of this disease. Special emphasis is given to clinical pearls and pitfalls for the practicing allergist. ABPA is a hypersensitivity response to Aspergillus antigens in the lung and is distinct from other forms of Aspergillus pulmonary disease. Episodic bronchospasm, expectoration of mucous plugs, and fleeting pulmonary infiltrates are common manifestations of the disease. Several diagnostic schemes for ABPA have been described with varying criteria, which uniformly includes asthma and positive immediate skin-prick test to Aspergillus fumigatus. The mainstay of treatment for ABPA is corticosteroids, which are normally effective.