A 69-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pancreatic insufficiency and elevated sweat electrolytes

Abstract

A 69-year-old man with chronic obstructive lung disease and steatorrhea presented with diffuse peribronchial thickenings in both lungs, pancreatic insufficiency and elevated sweat electrolytes. The findings are best compatible with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained chronic obstructive pulmonary disease even in the elderly, particularly if combined with evidence of maldigestion or recurrent pancreatitis.