Bronchiectasis

Question 1

Briefly describe the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis

Answer 1

Chronic infection of bronchi/bronchioles → permanent
dilatation.
Retained inflammatory secretions and microbes →
airway damage and recurrent infection

Question 2

Three causes of bronchiectasis

Answer 2

1. IDIOPATHIC (50%)
2. CF
3. Post-infectious: TB, pneumonia, measles
4. Immunodeficiency
5. Bronchial obstruction e.g. tumour

Question 3

Two symptoms of bronchiectasis?

Answer 3

persistent cough
haemoptysis
fever
weight loss

Question 4

Two signs of bronchiectasis?

Answer 4

clubbing
coarse inspiratory creps
wheeze
purulent sputum

Question 5

Three complications of bronchiectasis?

Answer 5

pneumonia
pleural efffusion 
pneumothorax
pulmonary HTN
massive haemoptysis- anaemia

Question 6

Two investigations for bronchiectasis?

Answer 6

Sputum cultures
Blood cultures
CXR
Spirometry
High resolution CT 
CF sweat test 
Bronchoscopy

Question 7

Which abnormal pattern is present in bronchiectasis?

Answer 7

obstructive pattern

Question 8

List one possible finding on HRCT in bronchiectasis?

Answer 8

dilated and thickened airways

sacs with pools of mucus

Question 9

Two management options for bronchiectasis

Answer 9

chest physio
abx for exacerbation
bronchodilators
treat underlying disease

Question 10

Name an antibiotic to treat exacerbation in bronchiectasis

Answer 10

cipro= macrolide

Question 11

Name one syndrome that is associated with bronchiectasis

Answer 11

kartagener’s syndrome, young’s syndrome (not down’s!!!)