Mucoid Impaction - Cystic Fibrosis
Case Detail
Anatomy: Chest |
![]() Joseph Junewick, MD FACR |
Diagnostic Category: Infectious-Inflammatory |
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Created: over 9 years ago |
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Updated: over 9 years ago |
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Tags:
PEDS
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Modality/Study Types:
CT
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Activities: ![]() ![]() |
History
Teenager with cystic fibrosis and worsening pulmonary function.
Case Images
Diagnosis
Mucoid Impaction – Cystic Fibrosis
Findings
CT – Multisegment branching opacities and bronchiectasis.
Discussion
Mucoid impaction of the large airways often manifests as tubular opacities referred to as the “finger-in-glove” sign. Segmental bronchial atresia and cystic fibrosis are the most common congenital conditions accounting for mucoid impaction; inflammatory and infectious diseases (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, broncholithiasis, and foreign body aspiration), benign neoplastic processes (bronchial hamartoma, lipoma, and papillomatosis), and malignancies (bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoid tumor, and metastases) are the most common acquired processes. Cystic fibrosis, is the result of a defective chloride channel (chromosome 7 mutations), resulting in thick mucoid secretions that are difficult to clear from the airways and, eventually infection. The elicited inflammatory response damages the airways leading to bronchiectasis. Radiographic findings include hyperinflation, finger in glove opacities, peribronchial thickening, bronchiectasis and atelectasis.
Reference
Masrtinez S, Heyneman LE, McAdams HP, et al. Mucoid Impactions: Finger-in-Glove Sign and Other CT and Radiographic Features. RadioGraphics (2008); 28:1369-1382.