Cystic fibrosis CT

Computed tomography (CT scan) findings in patients with cystic fibrosis are more sensitive as compared to the pulmonary function tests. Most common chest CT scan findings include peribronchial thickening, mucous plugging and bronchiectasis. Less common findings include abscesses, emphysematous bullae, hyperinflation, collapse, consolidation, ground-glass opacities, acinar nodules, and thickening of interlobular and intralobular septa.Findings on abdominal CT scan in patients with cystic fibrosis may include diffuse and complete fatty replacement of pancreas, fibrosis of the pancreas, and Intestinal obstruction.

Computed tomography (CT scan) findings in patients with cystic fibrosis are more sensitive as compared to the pulmonary function tests. It has a crucial role in the assessment of pulmonary damage over time, detecting complications and monitoring treatment.^[1]

• Mosaic attenuation (localized hyperinflation due to small airway obstruction) on expiratory chest computed tomography (CT) is common in early life cystic fibrosis and often referred to as “air trapping“.^[2]

Most common chest CT scan findings include:^[1][3]

• Peribronchial thickening (85%)
• Mucous plugging (79%)
• Bronchiectasis which is progressive, irreversible (76%)

Less common chest CT scan findings include:^[1][3]

• Abscesses
• Emphysematous bullae
• Hyperinflation
• Collapse
• Consolidation
• Ground-glass opacities
• Acinar nodules
• Thickening of interlobular and intralobular septa

Abdomen CT scan in patients with cystic fibrosis may include these findings:^[4][5]

• Diffuse and complete fatty replacement of pancreas is the most common imaging appearance.
• Fibrosis of the pancreas can be detectable on CT scan.
• Intestinal findings on CT may include obstruction (more common in children).

CT demonstrates mucous plugging and complete pancreatic atrophy^[6]

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