Bird fancier's lung: clinical-radiological presentation in 15 cases.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Bird fancier's lung (BFL) is a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis occurring in response to avian antigens (usually inhaled proteins in bird feathers and droppings). The diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, radiological, and biopsy characteristics. The present study was planned to highlight the clinico-radiological presentation in cases of BFL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

The present study is a retrospective analysis of cases of bird fancier's lung diagnosed in a unit of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute over a period of two years, from 2013-2014. The clinico-radiological features of the subjects were analysed. The diagnosis of BFL was made as per criteria laid down by Mark Schuyler and Yvon Cormier.

RESULTS:

There were a total of fifteen cases diagnosed with BFL during the study period, comprising twelve females and three males with a mean age of 54.93 ± 14.21 years. All the studied subjects gave significant history of exposure to pigeons and were non-smokers. The period of symptoms prior to presentation varied from one to eight years. The main symptoms on presentation were exertional breathlessness and cough. Radiologically, diffuse centrilobular nodules, ground glassing - diffuse or patchy predominant in upper lobes, fibrosis with or without traction bronchiectasis, honeycombing, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy were seen. Bronchoscopy showed ill-defined granulomas and chronic interstitial inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS:

BFL can exhibit a wide range of radiological patterns, and a high index of suspicion must be maintained, with particular attention to detailed exposure history in every case of interstitial lung disease.

• Authors: Raj Kumar, Mandeep Singh
• Journal: Pneumonologia i alergologia polska (Pneumonol Alergol Pol) Vol. 83 Issue 1 Pg. 39-44 ( 2015) ISSN: 0867-7077 [Print] Poland
• PMID: 25577532 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Bird Fancier's Lung (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Bronchial Provocation Tests (methods)
• Cough (physiopathology)
• Dyspnea (physiopathology)
• Female
• Fever (physiopathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Physical Examination
• Radiography, Thoracic
• Respiratory Function Tests
• Retrospective Studies