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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss the diagnostic methods currently used in the study of patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, with special emphasis on the most recent contributions published in the medical literature regarding the diagnosis of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (OHP). This review presents an update of the use of these diagnostic tests, a controversial issue among experts. RECENT FINDINGS In spite of the multiple attempts at systematization and the publication of expert consensus statements, standardizing and diagnostic methods and criteria remain particularly difficult. As a result, centers tend to rely on their own experience and establish diagnosis by consensus among their multidisciplinary teams. Though recommendable in many ways, this method presents significant limitations. SUMMARY Diagnosis of OHP should be made with a thorough clinical history of the symptoms and clinical signs as well as a meticulous review, if possible by an expert, of possible exposures in the working environment; a meticulous physical examination; high-resolution computed tomography of the thorax; serum determination of specific immunoglobuline Gs; bronchoalveolar lavage and possibly cryobiopsy; fungal culture; and, when appropriate, a specific inhalation challenge test with the suspected antigen.
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Vasakova M, Morell F, Walsh S, Leslie K, Raghu G. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Perspectives in Diagnosis and Management. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2017; 196:680-689. [PMID: 28598197 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201611-2201pp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Vasakova
- 1 Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Thomayer Hospital Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ferran Morell
- 2 Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Servei de Pneumología, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autonóma de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratoria, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Simon Walsh
- 3 King's College National Health Service Hospital Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ganesh Raghu
- 5 Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
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Shirai T, Furusawa H, Furukawa A, Ishige Y, Uchida K, Miyazaki Y, Eishi Y, Inase N. Protein antigen of bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis in pigeon serum and dropping. Respir Res 2017; 18:65. [PMID: 28427395 PMCID: PMC5397797 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-017-0555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avian antigen is a common cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Inhalation challenge with pigeon serum and pigeon dropping extract (PDE) elicits a hypersensitivity reaction in patients with bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis (BRHP), but the antigenic components in these materials have yet to be fully elucidated. METHOD Pigeon serum, pigeon intestine homogenates, and PDE were immunoblotted with serum samples from 8 patients with BRHP, 2 patients with summer-type HP, 2 patients with humidifier lung, and 3 healthy volunteers. Among the protein spots found in both pigeon serum and PDE, those that reacted with sera from BRHP patients were identified by mass spectrometry. Immunoassays using recombinant protein were performed to confirm the antigenicity of the identified protein. Cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with recombinant protein was also assessed. RESULTS Immunoglobulin lambda-like polypeptide-1 (IGLL-1) was identified from all spots on 2-DE immunoblots of both pigeon serum and PDE. The BRHP patients exhibited higher levels of serum IgG antibody against the recombinant IGLL-1 (rIGLL-1) compared to the control subjects, as well as a stronger PBMCs proliferative response to rIGLL-1. Cytokine production by PBMCs from BRHP patients after rIGLL-1 exposure indicated that the protein could induce Th1 prone immune responses: an increase in TNF-α and an absence of elevated IL-10 production. CONCLUSIONS Pigeon IGLL-1 was identified as the BRHP antigen present in both pigeon serum and PDE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Shirai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Furusawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asuka Furukawa
- Department of Human Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Ishige
- Department of Human Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Uchida
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunari Miyazaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yoshinobu Eishi
- Department of Human Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohiko Inase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Exogen-allergische Alveolitis von inhalierten Schimmelpilzen bei beruflicher Zwiebel- und Kartoffel-Verarbeitung – Zwiebelsortierer- und Kartoffelarbeiter-Alveolitis. ALLERGO JOURNAL 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s15007-016-1168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Cano-Jiménez E, Acuña A, Botana MI, Hermida T, González MG, Leiro V, Martín I, Paredes S, Sanjuán P. Revisión de la enfermedad del pulmón de granjero. Arch Bronconeumol 2016; 52:321-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Borderías L, Morell F, Vera J, Briz H, Muñoz X, Cruz MJ. [Starling-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis: minimal but persistent antigen exposure]. Arch Bronconeumol 2009; 46:607-9. [PMID: 20044195 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2009.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Revised: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A 51-year old woman developed hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) after inhaling the excrement of starlings that populated a park adjacent to her home. The clinical symptoms consisted of a non-productive cough and grade II dyspnea and radiological interstitial micronodular involvement. The respiratory function tests showed a restrictive pattern with desaturation on effort and a biopsy using videothorascopy was highly suggestive of HP. After taking a very detailed clinical history the patient mentioned an increase in cough when she crossed a park near her home, where a high population of starlings lived in its trees. Specific antigen extracts were prepared and skin tests were performed, precipitins measured, and bronchial provocation tests specific to this antigen were all positive. This observation identified a species of bird capable of causing the disease and shows a lung disease secondary to the exposure of a not very large but persistent antigen load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Borderías
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital San Jorge, Huesca, Spain
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Abstract
Bird fancier's lung (BFL) is one of the most common types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Nevertheless, the criteria for diagnosing this condition are not standardized. The current study is an in-depth investigation into the clinical characteristics of BFL in the largest series examined for this purpose by a single group, to our knowledge, taking into account the acute, subacute, or chronic clinical presentation. From 1977 to 2003, BFL was diagnosed in 86 patients using a homogeneous protocol. Data from the clinical history and physical examination were analyzed, as well as the results from the following complementary examinations: laboratory analyses, specific serum IgG antibodies determination, chest X-ray, chest computed tomography (CT), pulmonary function testing, immediate hypersensitivity skin testing, delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity testing, bronchofibroscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and/or transbronchial biopsy, bronchial challenge testing, and surgical lung biopsy. In addition, clinical and epidemiologic characteristics were determined in a control group of 60 pigeon breeders who did not meet the diagnostic criteria of BFL. Eighty-six patients (21 men and 65 women) with a mean age of 47 years were studied. Seven (8%) patients were younger than 15 years of age at the time of the diagnosis. In 3 cases, the disease was caused by exposure to feather-filled bedding. Nearly 1 in 5 patients was diagnosed in the chronic phase of the disease. The mean diagnostic delay was 1.6 years overall, and 3.2 years in patients diagnosed in the chronic phase of the disease. Among the 17% of patients with chronic disease, the mean interval from initiation of exposure to diagnosis was 16 years, a higher value than in the acute or subacute presentation forms. Dyspnea and cough were the most common clinical symptoms (98% and 82%, respectively), and nearly 25% had grade III or IV dyspnea at diagnosis. Only 18% of patients experienced chest tightness, a symptom classically considered to be frequent in this condition. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated (>30 mm/h) in 44% of patients. Urinary calcium was elevated in 20% of patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme was not elevated in any of the patients in which it was measured. Lactate dehydrogenase increases were found in 51% of patients. Specific IgG antibodies to avian antigens were documented in 92% of BFL patients, but also in 87% of pigeon breeder controls. The most frequent radiologic finding was an interstitial pattern in 79% of patients. Common chest CT features were ground glass areas (68%) and a mosaic pattern (61%); areas of emphysema were found in 7/41 (17%) patients, 5 of whom had never smoked. Two patients had a CT pattern of pulmonary fibrosis indistinguishable from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Immediate hypersensitivity skin testing with bird sera and pigeon bloom was positive in 78% and 100% of BFL patients, respectively, and in 64% and 88% of control pigeon breeders, respectively. Almost one-third of the patients (29%) presented an anergic response on delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity testing. Restrictive ventilatory impairment was the most frequent functional pattern (77%), although 9% and 4% showed a pure obstructive and mixed pattern, respectively. The carbon monoxide diffusing capacity was decreased (<80% of the predicted value) in 85% of cases. Forty-one percent of patients had PaO2 <60 mm Hg at diagnosis when blood gas analysis was performed. Lymphocytosis (>20% lymphocytes) was documented in 83% of patients who underwent BAL, with a similar frequency in the 3 presentation forms: 70% acute, 89% subacute, and 85% chronic. In addition, inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio (<1) was observed in 62% of the patients, but 38% of cases showed a CD4 predominance. The characteristic triad of histopathologic findings in hypersensitivity pneumonitis was found in only 9% of patients undergoing transbronchial biopsy, but at least 1 of these findings was seen in 69%. Surgical lung biopsy was undertaken in 14/86 (16%) patients; the complete triad was observed in 50% and at least 1 finding in 100%. In 54/86 (63%) patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by bronchial challenge testing, a test with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 100%. BFL is a potentially severe disease that can progress to respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as a form of chronic occupational respiratory disease. Respiratory symptoms in exposed patients, including children and adults who have only 1 pet bird at home, should raise the suspicion of BFL. Diagnosis in the chronic phase is frequent, and the delay to diagnosis was greatest in these cases. Elevated urinary calcium, lactate dehydrogenase, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in a bird fancier may constitute a combined marker for suspected BFL. Chest CT frequently discloses emphysema and a pattern of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in some patients. An anergic response on delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity testing is not infrequent. The presentation with respiratory failure and the predominance of CD4 T lymphocytes in some patients' BAL are both remarkable. Lymphocytosis on BAL also persists in the chronic phase of the disease. Bronchial challenge testing has a high diagnostic yield, and surgical lung biopsy is not needed to reach the final diagnosis in the vast majority of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Morell
- From Servei de Pneumologia (FM, LR, XM) i Unitat d'Investigació en Pneumologia (MJC), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Departament de Medicina, Universitat Auto`noma de Barcelona, Barcelona; CIBERES, (Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Dos de Maig (AR) i Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital General de Catalunya (CM), Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), or extrinsic allergic alveolitis, is a form of immune-mediated inflammatory lung disease involving the distal portions of the lungs associated with intense or repeated exposure to a variety of finely dispersed environmental antigens. Although once believed to be a disease of adults because of its frequent association with the occupational setting, HP exists in the pediatric population and often goes unrecognized. Childhood HP is often associated with exposure to antigens in the home environment as well as with certain hobbies. Patients present in any one of the three disease stages: acute, subacute, and chronic, all with unique clinical presentations. Histopathologic findings depend on the disease stage at the time of evaluation. The immuno-pathogenesis is complex, but immune-complex (type III hypersensitivity) and cell-mediated (type IV hypersensitivity) immune responses appear to be the primary immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HP. Diagnosis can be very challenging. Although no single diagnostic or clinical laboratory test is available to diagnose HP, the most significant diagnostic tool is a detailed environmental exposure history. Avoidance of the inciting antigen is the most important form of treatment. Acute HP is responsive to antigen removal alone. However, a short course of prednisone for 2-3 weeks can be useful in patients with severe attacks. Subacute and chronic HP may require higher doses of corticosteroids for a longer duration (i.e. months); however, the long-term efficacy of using corticosteroids is still not well defined. As with most hypersensitivity diseases, early diagnosis provides the best prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purnima Venkatesh
- Section of Clinical Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis, is a granulomatous, inflammatory disease of the lungs caused by the inhalation of antigenic organic particles or fumes. The disease may present as an acute, subacute, or chronic illness. Episodes of acute and subacute HP usually resolve following cessation of antigen exposure. Chronic HP may be progressive, irreversible, and result in debilitating fibrotic lung disease. This review discusses current concepts regarding the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of HP. RECENT FINDINGS The pathogenesis of HP involves both type III and type IV hypersensitivity reactions that are mediated by immune complexes and Th1 T cells, respectively. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines activate alveolar macrophages, cause an influx of CD8+ lymphocytes into the lungs, facilitate granuloma formation, and promote the development of pulmonary fibrosis. IFN-gamma is essential for the development of HP and IL-10 appears to modulate the severity of disease. TNF-alpha and TGF-beta have been implicated in development of the pulmonary fibrosis that is seen in chronic HP. It has been shown that pigeon fanciers with HP have an increase in the frequency of HLA-DRB1*1305 and HLA-DQB1*0501 alleles, a decrease in the frequency of the HLA-BRB1*0802 allele, and an increased frequency of the TNF-2 (-308) polymorphism of the TNF-alpha promoter gene. SUMMARY A careful environmental and occupational history and establishment of exposure to a known inciting antigen are key factors in making the diagnosis of HP. Serum precipitating antibodies, bronchoalveolar lavage, and lung biopsy may be helpful in making the diagnosis. Avoidance of organic antigen exposure is the most important factor in the management of HP. Corticosteroids are indicated for the treatment of severe acute and subacute HP and for chronic HP that is severe or progressive. Long-term corticosteroid therapy for the treatment of chronic HP should be considered only if objective improvement in clinical signs, pulmonary function, or radiographic abnormalities is documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence C Mohr
- Environmental Biosciences Program and Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
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Morell F, Roger A, Cruz MJ, Muñoz X, Rodrigo MJ. Suberosis: clinical study and new etiologic agents in a series of eight patients. Chest 2003; 124:1145-52. [PMID: 12970049 DOI: 10.1378/chest.124.3.1145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Penicillium frequentans is considered to be the causal agent of suberosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to cork dust inhalation. Nevertheless, other fungi can colonize cork during its storage period in humid conditions. The aims of the study were to assess the etiologic role of several fungi and cork itself in the genesis of suberosis, and to review the clinical characteristics of patients with this disease. METHODS Eight patients with suberosis were studied. Chest radiography, high-resolution chest CT, pulmonary function testing, bronchofibroscopy with BAL and transbronchial biopsy, and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity tests were performed. Fungal and suberin (cork that is culture negative for fungi) antigens were used for serum determination of specific IgG antibodies, immediate hypersensitivity specific skin tests, and specific bronchial challenge tests. RESULTS Serum specific IgG antibody determinations and specific skin tests against Aspergillus fumigatus and suberin demonstrated the capacity of both these antigenic extracts to induce an immunologic response. Positive specific bronchial challenge tests performed not only with P frequentans but also with A fumigatus, and cork itself were recorded in some patients for the first time in this disease. Dyspnea and cough were the most frequent symptoms. Clinical and functional improvement occurred after antigen avoidance. CONCLUSIONS In addition to P frequentans, A fumigatus and cork dust itself may contribute to the development of suberosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Morell
- Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
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Jesús Cruz M, Morell F, Roger À, Muñoz X, José Rodrigo M. Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad en los yeseros de la construcción (espartosis): estudio de 20 casos. Med Clin (Barc) 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0025-7753(03)73778-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Xaubet A, Ancochea J, Blanquer R, Montero C, Morell F, Rodríguez Becerra E, Sueiro A, Villena V. Diagnóstico y tratamiento de las enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales difusas. Arch Bronconeumol 2003; 39:580-600. [PMID: 14636495 DOI: 10.1016/s0300-2896(03)75457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Xaubet
- Servicio de Neumología. Hospital Clínic. Barcelona. España.
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Morell F, Roger A, Cruz MJ. Usefulness of specific skin tests in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002; 110:939. [PMID: 12464966 DOI: 10.1067/mai.2002.128801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Patel AM, Ryu JH, Reed CE. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: current concepts and future questions. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001; 108:661-70. [PMID: 11692086 DOI: 10.1067/mai.2001.119570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (extrinsic allergic alveolitis) caused by inhaled allergens can progress to disabling or even fatal end-stage lung disease. The only truly effective treatment is early recognition and control of exposure. Although patients produce antibody exuberantly, the immunopathogenesis involves cellular immunity--notably, CD8(+) cytotoxic lymphocytes, multinucleate giant cell granulomas, and ultimately interstitial fibrosis. Many causative agents have been recognized in occupational dusts or mists, but most current new cases arise from residential exposure to pet birds (pigeons and parakeets), contaminated humidifiers, and indoor molds. The symptoms and physical findings are nonspecific. Serum IgG containing high titers of specific antibody to the offending antigen is elevated. Pulmonary function tests show restrictive and diffusion defects with hypoxemia, especially after exercise. Occasionally, small airways disease causes obstruction. Radio-graphic changes vary according to the stage of the disease and are best evaluated by means of high-resolution computed tomography. In typical cases, the history of a known exposure and the presence of a characteristic interstitial lung disease with serologic confirmation of IgG antibody to the offending antigen suffice for diagnosis. In more obscure cases, observation of changes after a natural environmental exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage, and lung biopsy might be indicated. Among the many questions that remain are the following: What is the prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and how often is it the cause of chronic interstitial fibrosis? What is the long-term prognosis? Why do most individuals exposed to these antigens develop a vigorous antibody response whereas only a few develop the disease? How does exposure to endotoxin and cigarette smoking affect the disease? To answer these questions, standardized and validated clinical laboratory immunochemical tests are needed, in addition to a systematic approach to diagnosis, classification of disease severity, risk assessment, and management. This review is limited to the disease caused by airborne allergens and focuses on its immunopathogenesis, eliciting agents, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Morell F, Reyes L, Majó J, Orriols R, Román A. [Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Clinical longitudinal study of 21 patients]. Med Clin (Barc) 2000; 115:60-4. [PMID: 10934696 DOI: 10.1016/s0025-7753(00)71465-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical data of patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis are well established, although new diagnostic methods and specially long term evolution of the disease with lung involvement are not well-known. METHODS In all cases, patients were diagnosed by means of pathologic study of the lung samples, either by transbronchial biopsy in 7 patients, or by surgical lung biopsy in 8 patients. Six patients were diagnosed by bone biopsy. Other patients were diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). In 4 patients, who underwent BAL, the study of antibodies CD1 (CD1a) was positive (> 5%). Lymphocytopenia was detected in 28% of patients, whereas no decrease in delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity tests was detected in any of them. After a follow-up study of 12.8 years (range: 4-22 years), 7 patients had dead, 6 patients showed severe lung involvement and other 5 patients did not have lung affection. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis has improved by detection of immunologic and histochemical markers recently introduced. The study of the delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity tests did not show anergy or hipoergy. Long term evolution of patients with lung involvement is poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Morell
- Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital General Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona.
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Rodrigo MJ, Benavent MI, Cruz MJ, Rosell M, Murio C, Pascual C, Morell F. Detection of specific antibodies to pigeon serum and bloom antigens by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in pigeon breeder's disease. Occup Environ Med 2000; 57:159-64. [PMID: 10810097 PMCID: PMC1739919 DOI: 10.1136/oem.57.3.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pigeon breeder's disease is an extrinsic allergic alveolitis in the lungs of sensitised people, caused by hypersensitivity reactions to inhaled pigeon antigens. Antigens from different sources of the animal are used for diagnostic purposes, with serum being the most widely used. Bloom is rarely used; very little is known of its antigenicity and diagnostic performance, particularly when used with the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, which is the most popular test as it permits measurement of the antibody response. METHODS To (a) standardise an ELISA for the measurement of specific IgG against pigeon serum and pigeon bloom extract; (b) to establish reference values for specific IgG in 73 non-exposed controls, (c) to show the presence of specific IgG against pigeon serum and bloom in serum samples of 17 patients with bird fancier's lung and 11 asymptomatic fanciers, and (d) to study the similarity of the two antigen sources by cross reactivity experiments. RESULTS Reference values of specific IgG were defined with the 97.5 percentile (367.9 U/ml for pigeon serum and 953.7 U/ml for pigeon bloom extract). Of symptomatic patients 100% had values higher than the cut off for both antigens. In asymptomatic fanciers values were higher than the cut off for pigeon serum in 45% and bloom extract in 54%. Cross reactivity experiments showed that the two antigens differed in antigenic content although some components may be common to both. CONCLUSION The ELISA methods used proved to be useful tools for evaluating specific IgG antibody responses against both antigens. The diagnostic performance of both ELISA methods performed with these antigen sources was similar, showing very high sensitivity but moderate specificity. Although some antigenic similarity was found between pigeon serum and bloom extract, cross reactivity studies showed that various antigens seemed to be specific to the bloom extract. However, the antigens responsible for pigeon breeder's disease seem to be present in both antigenic sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Rodrigo
- Servei de Bioquímica, Hospital General Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
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Carrillo T, Rodríguez de Castro F, Blanco C, Castillo R, Quiralte J, Cuevas M. Specific skin tests in subjects with chronic bronchitis exposed to pigeons. Allergy 1994; 49:902-5. [PMID: 7710005 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1994.tb00798.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We have studied the diagnostic reliability of the specific skin tests done in 30 subjects who presented with chronic bronchitis (CB) as the only clinical manifestation related to exposure to pigeons and in 21 subjects with CB and known risk factors. Additionally, two control groups were included (24 asymptomatic subjects exposed and sensitized to pigeons and 10 subjects not exposed and not sensitized to pigeons). The skin prick tests with pigeon serum were negative in all the subjects tested. The intradermal skin tests showed an immediate positive reaction in 16 of the 30 CB-affected patients and in six of the control group of exposed asymptomatic subjects (chi square: 3.376) (P < 0.1; nearly significant); after 6 h, a positive reaction was recorded in 14 of the CB-affected patients and in three subjects of the control group (chi square: 5.187) (P < 0.005). A delayed reaction was seen in 10/30 CB patients and in only three of the 24 subjects of the control group (chi square: 2.218) (nonsignificant). In the group of the 21 CB patients with known risk factors and not sensitized to pigeons, only two patients showed immediate skin reactivity; the remaining readings were negative. Lastly, in the control group of 10 unexposed, nonsensitized subjects, the intradermal skin tests in the different readings were negative. Our results show that although the skin tests with pigeon serum have low sensitivity, they can be a useful supplement in distinguishing cases of CB attributable to chronic pigeon exposure from those cases attributable to another cause, especially in the consideration of immediate and late readings.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Carrillo
- Sección de Alergia, Hospital Universitario Ntra. Sra. del Pino, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain
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Abstract
Pigeon-breeder's lung should be included in the differential diagnosis when patients present with interstitial lung disease or intermittent cough and dyspnea. No single test confirms the diagnosis. Rather, careful attention must be given to results of history taking, physical examination, pulmonary function and precipitin testing, chest radiography, and, if indicated, lung biopsy. Symptoms usually resolve when exposure to suspected antigens is avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Mangion
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037
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de Gracia J, Morell F, Bofill JM, Curull V, Orriols R. Time of exposure as a prognostic factor in avian hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Respir Med 1989; 83:139-43. [PMID: 2602597 DOI: 10.1016/s0954-6111(89)80230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Spirometric values were subsequently evaluated in 22 patients suffering from hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by avian problems. First spirometric values were abnormal in 18/22 (82%) of patients. A restrictive pattern was observed in 16/22 (72%) of patients and an obstructive pattern in 6/22 (27%). The TLCO was reduced in all cases (12/12). Improvement or normalization of the respiratory function occurred 3.4 +/- 2.4 months after the avian contact had ceased. At the end of the follow-up, parameters were normal in 13/22 (59%) of patients. The restrictive pattern remained unchanged in 7/22 (32%), and the obstructive pattern persisted in 4/22 (18%) of the patients. The TLCO was normal in 6/12 (50%) of patients. Neither age nor treatment with corticosteroids (13 patients) had a significant influence upon the evolution of the lung function. However, total recovery or significant improvement was observed in 12/12 (100%) of patients who had been in contact with birds less than 2 years, in contrast to 6/10 (60%) of patients with more than 2 years of contact (P = 0.002).
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Affiliation(s)
- J de Gracia
- Seccio de Pneumologia, Hospital General Vall d'Hebron, Barceloma, Spain
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Orriols R, Morell F, Curull V, Roman A, Sampol G. Impaired non-specific delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity in bird fancier's lung. Thorax 1989; 44:132-5. [PMID: 2928997 PMCID: PMC461715 DOI: 10.1136/thx.44.2.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The relation between non-specific delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity and bird fancier's lung was investigated in 13 patients with the disorder. They were compared with 50 subjects who had no reason to have decreased non-specific delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity (control group) and 34 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. In addition, 13 patients with bird fancier's lung (11 of the original group) were tested at least one year after avoiding exposure to the causal antigen. Five antigens (candidine, staphylococcal toxoid, tuberculin purified protein derivative, trichophyton, and streptokinase-streptodornase) were injected intradermally (0.1 ml) and the mean weal diameter was measured at 48 hours. The mean weal size was significantly less in the subjects with bird fancier's lung at the time of diagnosis than in the control group (2.23 v 5.66 mm) but did not differ significantly from that of the subjects with sarcoidosis (2.80 mm) or from that of the bird fanciers with no exposure to the causal antigen for one year (2.75 mm). The impairment of non-specific delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity in patients with bird fancier's lung appears to be quantitatively similar to that occurring in sarcoidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Orriols
- Section of Pneumology, Hospital General Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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