3: Bronchiectasis Flashcards
What is bronchiectasis
Abnormal dilation of bronchioles due to inflammation, mucus plugging and progressive destruction
What are two processes underlying bronchiectasis
- Bronchial Inflammation
2. Inadequate clearance of mucus
What are causes of bronchiectasis
- Recurrent Infection
- Defective mucus clearance: CF, primary ciliary
dyskinesia - Tumours causing narrowing
- Chronic autoimmune conditions (RA, Sjogrens)
How does bronchiectasis present clinically
- Chronic cough over years with production copious amounts of mucupurulent sputum
- Dyspneoa
- Haemoptysis
what can be heard on auscultation of chest in bronchiectasis
- Crackles
- Wheeze
what is first line investigation in GP for bronchiectasis
CXR
what will be seen on CXR in bronchiectasis
tram track lines
what are tram track lines
bronchial wall thickening due to inflammation and fibrosis
how does late stage bronchiectasis present
honeycombing of the lungs
what other investigations are ordered in primary care for bronchiectasis
- Sputum MC+S
- Spirometry
what may be seen on spirometry
obstructive pattern
what is ordered in secondary care for bronchiectasis
High-resolution CT
what is gold standard test for bronchiectasis
High-resolution CT
what is seen on CT in bronchiectasis
signet ring appearance
what is signet ring appearance
dilated airways with thickened walls
