Bronchiectasis Flashcards
1
Q
How is bronchiectasis usually described?
A
permanent dilatation of the airways secondary to chronic infection or inflammation
2
Q
Give some examples of infective/niflammatory causes which may precipitate bronchiectasis
A
Post-infective:
- TB
- measles
- pertussis
- pneumonia
- cystic fibrosis
- obstruction (cancer/foreign body)
- immune deficiency
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
- ciliary dyskinetic syndromes: Kartagener’s syndrome, Young’s syndrome
- yellow nail syndrome
3
Q
Typical CXR findings in Bronchiectasis
A
Tramlines
- most prominent in the left lower zone
4
Q
Typical CT chest findings in bronchiectasis
A
widespread tram-tracks
signet ring signs
5
Q
Management
A
- Assess for treatable causes such as immune deficiency
- inspiratory muscle training
- postural drainage
- antibiotics for exacerbations
- long-term antibiotics in severe cases
- bronchodilators
- immunisations
- surgery in localised disease
6
Q
Most common organisms cultured from patients with bronchiectasis
A
Haemophilus influenzae (most common)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Klebsiella
Streptococcus pneumoniae
7
Q
A
