Fast Five Quiz: Presentation and Diagnosis of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Figure 2. Color radiograph of an enlarged liver.

According to guidelines from the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society, diagnostic testing for AATD should be performed in the following settings:

• Symptomatic adults with emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma with airflow obstruction that is incompletely reversible after aggressive treatment with bronchodilators

• Asymptomatic individuals with persistent obstruction on pulmonary function tests with identifiable risk factors (eg, smoking, occupational exposure)

• Individuals with unexplained liver disease at any age, particularly elderly persons

Other recommendations for diagnostic testing can be found in the full guidelines.

Learn more about the workup for AATD.

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Cite this: Dora E. Izaguirre Anariba. Fast Five Quiz: Presentation and Diagnosis of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency - Medscape - Nov 23, 2021.