Abstract
Recent data support that patients with COPD can experienced associated asthma in an overlap syndrome. This raise hypothesis of specific complications in these patients as allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), usually seen in asthma patients, exhibiting potential specific features when associated to COPD. We compiled 16 cases of ABPA (Patterson criteria) diagnosed in COPD patients (GOLD criteria,Tabaco > 10 PY) in a monocentrique retrospective study, then compared to 16 COPD matched patients on age and FEV1, with similar overall follow up (7.8 years). ABPA-COPD group age was 61.1 years, FEV1 was 36% (1127mL), tobacco consumption was 46.6 PY and 8 out of 16 had known asthma in childhood. ABPA diagnosis was done 6 years after COPD diagnosis. All patients were investigated for specific IgE=19,4 kUI/l, IgE=2684 kUI/l, eosinophilia=1271/mm3. 13/16 had positive IgG, 10 had Aspergillus in sputum. Immediate prick test was positive in 6 out of 7 patients. All received inhaled and oral steroids, 13 patients received oral fungicide and 7 omalizumab. When compared to COPD group, ABPA-BPCO group exhibits higher loss of FEV1 (-83,16 vs -31,14mL/year;p= 0.04). A higher hospitalization rate for exacerbation (1.69 vs 0.53/year;p=0,0007). Using Bhalla scoring, chest CT scan exhibits higher severity in bronchiectasis, mucoid impaction extension but not emphysema (p=0,002; p=0,03; p=0,45) as well as overall extent (10,12 vs 6.8;p= 0,003) ABPA-COPD exhibits a specific pattern and must be considered in COPD patients with recurring exacerbations. CT is distinguishing for diagnosis, in association with biological tools.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016