Adult Diagnosis

The first-time diagnosis of CF in adults is being made with increasing frequency. Patients often present with chronic respiratory problems, but also with chronic/recurrent pancreatitis, chronic sinusitis or male infertility due to congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD).

Overall, patients diagnosed with CF as adults have milder lung disease, less pseudomonal infection and are more likely to be pancreatic sufficient than patients diagnosed in childhood [4].

The diagnosis is, however, confirmed in the same way as in children. The European CF Diagnostic working group and US CF Foundation have algorithms and links to these two resources can be found in the Web Resosurces section of this session.

Pitfall

Just because a young adult is not known to have CF, doesn’t mean that they cannot have CF. Primary diagnosis in adulthood is becoming more frequent.