Chest
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Randomized Controlled Trial
CT Imaging Assessment of Response to Treatment in Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Adults With Bronchial Asthma.
One of the major challenges in managing allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis remains consistent and reproducible assessment of response to treatment. ⋯ Changes in extent and density of mucoid impaction, centrilobular micronodules, consolidation/ground-glass opacities, and thickening of the bronchial walls were found to be the most relevant CT scan parameters to assess radiologic response to treatment. A clinical, immunologic, and radiologic multidimensional approach should be adopted to assess outcomes, probably with a composite definition of response to treatment.
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Endotracheal aspirates (ETAs) are widely used for microbiologic studies of the respiratory tract in intubated patients. However, they involve sampling through an established endotracheal tube using suction catheters, both of which can acquire biofilms that may confound results. ⋯ Unbiased molecular profiling shows that standard clinical ETA sampling has good concordance with the authentic lower airway microbiome in intubated patients.