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Chest CT
A high-resolution chest CT shows the lung in more detail than regular chest X-rays, and locates bronchiectasis and clogged airways. CF patients who have mild lung disease and normal chest x-rays may have changes that can only be discovered by a chest CT. Bronchiectasis typically first appears in the upper lobes of the lung, and as CF lung disease progresses, it becomes more extensive and can be viewed on chest x-rays.Sinus CT
Sinus CT scans in CF patients often show complete filling of the sinuses with mucus. Normal sinuses are filled with air, making them appear black on CT scans. In CF patients, the sinuses are often completely filled with mucus or pus, creating a white appearance on the CT scan. Nasal polyps and damage to the bone surrounding the sinuses are also detectable. Culture
Sputum cultures from CF patients grow characteristic types of bacteria, and approximately 80 percent of these cultures grow Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other bacteria that commonly affect the airways include Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia cepacia, and Stenotrophomonas maitophilia. With the exception of S. aureus, these infections are very unusual in non-CF patients. Fecal Elastase
Pancreatic elastase-1 can be measured in stool samples as an excellent marker of pancreatic function. The absence of elastase in the stool is suggestive of pancreatic insufficiency, which is seen in 80 percent of patients with CF. 
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