]> 2026-07-31T07:52:14+00:00 WBR0394 0 en Fungal colonization of the lung Fungal colonization of the lung would show mold or yeast species on microscopy. Chronic obstructive lung disease Patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases usually have excess sputum production with Curschmann's spirals often seen on sputum microscopy. Helminth infection in the lungs Helminth infection in the lungs is not associated with Curschmann's spirals. Eosinophils are usually abundant on BAL. Small cell lung carcinoma Small cell lung carcinoma does not produce Curschmann's spirals that can be seen on BAL examination. Chronic asbestos exposure Chronic asbestos exposure is associated with Asbestos bodies on BAL that are golden-brown structures resembling dumbbells. Curschmann's spirals are spiral shaped mucus plugs found in the sputum of patients who suffer from asthma or chronic bronchitis or those who have been chronic smokers. They are associated with excess sputum production and are composed mainly of glycoproteins. Although they have little diagnostic significance, they are a classic sign of obstructive lung diseases. In asthma, they are usually seen with Charcot-Leyden crystals.<br/> '''Educational Objective:''' Curschmann's spirals are spiral shaped mucus plugs found in the sputum of patients who suffer from asthma or chronic bronchitis or in chronic smokers.<br/> '''References:''' Antonakopoulos GN, Lambrinaki E, Kyrkou KA. Curschmann's spirals in sputum: Histochemical evidence of bronchial gland ductal origin. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1987;3(4):291-294. Pathology B Pulmonology 2020-10-28T00:26:03Z 2459150.5180903 WBR0394