Cystic fibrosis (pulmonary manifestations)

Last revised by Liz Silverstone on 24 Mar 2024

Pulmonary manifestations of cystic fibrosis are some of the best known in cystic fibrosis (CF). This is partly because the lungs are often severely affected and the cause of significant morbidity and mortality. 

For general discussion of cystic fibrosis, and a discussion of its other manifestations, please refer to:

Clinical presentation is with the expected recurrent bacterial infections and haemoptysis. Patients have a chronic cough and expectorate copious quantities of sputum, frequently blood stained and containing mucous plugs 2,7.  

Later in the disease, larger volume haemoptysis, which may be life-threatening, as well as pneumothoraces become more common 2.

In the lung, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) is a protein responsible for efflux of chloride and inhibition of the sodium channel's activity which controls the influx of sodium. Therefore, under normal circumstances, salt and chloride remain in the lumen and keep water there osmotically. In CF patients, too little chloride is pumped out, too much sodium is reabsorbed resulting in osmotic re-absorption of water from the lumen. The result is iso-osmotic, but low volume, secretions, which tend to dry out, or be thick as they still contain all the other constituents.

Abnormal CFTR function has other effects 1,3, e.g:

  • increased bacterial adhesion

  • disrupted epithelial tight junctions

  • altered bacterial killing

The organisms most responsible for pulmonary infections are:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa

  • Staphylococcus aureus:  especially in the first 6 months of life 1

  • Haemophilus influenzae:  especially in the first 6 months of life

  • Burkholderia cepacia

As a result of repeated and chronic infections, there is a marked increase in the number of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes and associated inflammatory agents, including elastase and collagenase. Over time, these weaken the bronchial walls, leading to bronchiectasis 3.

These chronic bronchial injuries also lead to bronchial angiogenesis and vascular hypertrophy of the bronchial arteries, sometimes with the recruitment of additional aortobronchial collaterals. The bronchial submucosal arteries then become hypertrophied and, given the chronic inflammation, also more fragile, making them more susceptible to bleeding in the airways 9

The cardinal finding of later stages of cystic fibrosis is the presence of thick-walled bronchiectasis. These begin as cylindrical and progress through varicoid to cystic forms. The intervening lung is often densely fibrotic and retracted 3

Although the entire lung is affected, there is a predilection for:

  • central (perihilar) distribution

  • upper lobes

  • apical segment of lower lobes

Other features to be sought include hyperinflation, regions of consolidation, lymph node enlargement, pneumothorax and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Chest radiographs are insensitive to the early changes of cystic fibrosis, with changes seen on HRCT in 65% of patients with CF and normal chest radiographs 6. Later changes include:

  • bronchiectasis

  • hyperinflation

  • lobar collapse

  • pulmonary arterial enlargement due to pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with long-standing disease

HRCT has become indispensable in the monitoring of CF patients and is used to guide therapy and assess response to treatment, as it not only correlates with lung function tests but in some cases pre-empts them. Typically scans are repeated every 6 to 18 months depending on the institution and clinical course.

Mucous plugging is of particular importance as it is thought to precede infective exacerbations and thus identification of such plugging may be used to trigger changes in therapy 4.

HRCT findings include:

CT angiography is usually indicated in those patients presenting with haemoptysis and for whom endovascular intervention is being considered. Ideally, the scan should be triggered for maximum enhancement at the descending thoracic aorta 9.

  • it provides the delineation of the bronchial arteries anatomy and their recruited aortobronchial collaterals  

  • contrast blush indicating active bleed is rare even for conventional angiography, and it is not the aim of the scan

As a result of repeated examinations, patients are exposed to significant radiation dose during childhood when sensitivity to radiation is much higher. The use of low-dose protocols can significantly reduce cumulative radiation dose 5.

Angiography is reserved for selective embolisation of bronchial arteries in patients with airways bleeding, particularly when presenting unstable due to massive haemoptysis 9.  

New transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators correct the malfunctioning protein made by the CFTR gene for those with specific mutations. Further developments will address additional CF mutations. These drugs affect the movement of chloride and water across cell membranes and prevent build up of the sticky mucus that causes organ damage 10. Drugs are taken twice daily and those currently available are:

  • Trikafta® (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor)

  • Symdeko® (tezacaftor/ivacaftor)

  • Orkambi® (lumacaftor/ivacaftor)

  • Kalydeco® (ivacaftor)

It is too soon to assess the long-term outcome for patients. Until now, respiratory failure and pulmonary complications account for 95% of deaths in patients with cystic fibrosis 4.

Imaging differential considerations include:

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