Keys to the Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Because of the large spectrum of clinical presentations, similarities with other diseases, and difficulties in identifying the responsible agent, the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is sometimes difficult to make. Serum precipitin analysis and lung histology are commonly used as aids to confirm the diagnosis of HP; however, their routine uses and usefulness remain questionable. Because specific precipitating antibodies are seen in exposed subjects who do not have HP and the number of antigens commercially available for testing is limited, there are large numbers of false-positive and false-negative serologic analyses. This test is, therefore, of limited clinical usefulness. The recent advent of high-resolution computed tomography has greatly added to the parameters needed to confirm the diagnosis. When this technology is used, combined with other diagnostic procedures such as bronchoalveolar lavage, histologic confirmation of HP by a lung biopsy may no longer be required in most cases

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: