Guidance for chest-CT in children and adults with cystic fibrosis: A European perspective (part 2: special situations/respiratory complications)

This manuscript covers guidance proposed by The European Cystic Fibrosis Society Clinical Trials Network (ECFS-CTN) for the use of chest computed tomography (CT) scans in special situations such as haemoptysis, aspergillus-related lung disease, non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection and pneumothorax in people with CF. Guidance development followed a three-step process. The most important questions were first identified via anonymous online survey, then a comprehensive literature search was made to support a first set of statements. They were finally validated by a Delphi process to obtain collective opinion of participants. Consensus supported the use of chest CT in the presence of haemoptysis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis, and NTM-positive cultures (>2 separate expectorated sputum samples, or 1 positive bronchoscopic result). The ultimate responsibility for justifying a chest CT scan lies with the healthcare professionals directly involved in patient management.