Bronchiectasis

Question 1

What are some radiological features of bronchiectasis on CXR/CT thorax?

Answer 1

CXR - tram-track sign

CT thorax - signet ring appearance

Question 2

What is the diagnostic Ix of bronchiectasis?

Answer 2

CT thorax

Question 3

What is the management of bronchiectasis?

Answer 3

Conservative management:
Patient Education
Support Group
Chest Physiotherapy – Postural drainage at least twice daily to aid mucous drainage
Smoking Cessation

Medical management:
Antibiotics – according to local guidelines, and bacterial sensitivities. Patient with recurrent exacerbations may require long term antibiotic treatment
Bronchodilators – Including salbutamol can be given to patients with symptoms of dyspneoa and wheeze such as COPD, ABPA, asthma
Corticosteroid - Prednisolone is used in ABPA treatment
Carbocysteine - Mucolytic which reduces the viscosity of sputum

Surgical Management:
Surgical excision of localized area of disease or cessation of haemoptysis.
Lung transplant may be indicated in certain patients

Question 4

Which organism commonly causes bronchiectasis exacerbations?

Answer 4

Haemophilus Influenzae