chronic extrinsic allergic alveolitis - investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
The investigation of chronic extrinsic allergic alveolitis should include:
- serology demonstrates serum precipitins
- chest radiography demonstrates fibrosis, seen as predominantly upper-lobe shadowing
- lung function tests show reduced volume and transfer factor with a normal FEV1/FVC ratio
- bronchoalveolar lavage shows a predominance of lymphocytes and mast cells
- provocation test with suspected antigen if the history is unclear
- transbronchial or open lung biopsy if the diagnosis is in doubt