Chest CT Appearances

Cystic Fibrosis CT Findings

• Air trapping
• Mucous plugging
• Consolidation
• Usually found with bronchiectasis
  • Bronchial diameter > adjacent pulmonary artery diameter
  • Terminal bronchioles lack normal tapering
  • Can be focal, diffuse, unilateral or bilateral
  • Can be a sequelae of aspiration
• Dilated bronchi are extensive and may include both the upper and lower lung fields

Other Information About Cystic Fibrosis

Etiology:

• Genetic mutation

Epidemiology:

• Usually detected in infants and children

Presentation:

• Recurrent lung infection
• Neonatal jaundice
• Meconium ileus
• Poor weight gain
• Multi-organ involvement through lung is primary site of complications

Prognosis:

• Patients generally live until the 4th decade of life