The Role of Multi-Slice Computed Tomography for the Assessment of Bronchiectasis

Background: Bronchiectasis is pathological, irreversible dilatation of the bronchi due to destruction of the bronchial wall and the elastic connective tissue. Recurrent infection and inflammation and the resulting chemical and cellular cascade lead to permanent architectural changes in the airways. Bronchiectasis can confer substantial potential morbidity, usually secondary to recurrent infection. Objective: The aim of the current work was to evaluate the role of Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) examination in detection and diagnosis of pulmonary bronchiectasis. Patients and methods: This study included 60 patients with bronchiectasis detected in their MSCT of the chest referred from the Chest Diseases Hospital to the Radiology Department, Mit Khalaf Hospital Complex, Al-Menoufia. Results: The most common etiology was post inflammatory bronchiectasis 26 patients (43.3%), followed by traction bronchiectasis 21 patients (35%). The distribution of bronchiectasis in post inflammatory cases was mostly affecting the lower lobes 16 (61.4%) of 26 patients. Regarding traction bronchiectasis, affection was mostly in the upper lobes including 10 (47.4%) of 21 patients. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, distribution was mostly in lower lobes with 4 (50%) of 8 patients. In aspiration, distribution was in bilateral lower lobes. In cystic fibrosis, it affected the bilateral upper lobes and in Kartagener syndrome, the distribution was on bilateral lobes. The most common morphological type of bronchiectasis was the cylindrical type which was detected in (25%) of cases followed by the signet ring type with (23.3%) of the cases. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the role of MSCT in the diagnosis of the pulmonary bronchiectasis is central, accurate and non-invasive.