Which of the following describes a risk associated with cystic fibrosis?

• A. Development of severe bronchiectasis and lung abscesses requiring local resection
• B. Autoimmune hepatitis
• C. Renal cancer
• D. Atrial fibrillation

Answer: (A)

Chronic airway disease with thick, sticky mucus in cystic fibrosis leads to recurrent infections and progressive bronchiectasis. As the airway damage advances, some patients develop localized, destructive infections that form lung abscesses. When an abscess or severely damaged segment is confined to a limited area, surgical resection of that part of the lung can be required. This describes a known risk scenario in CF.

Autoimmune hepatitis, renal cancer, and atrial fibrillation are not typical or specific risks associated with cystic fibrosis, whereas the described combination of severe bronchiectasis and lung abscesses fits the CF pulmonary complication pattern.