Bronchiectasis Flashcards

1
Q

What is bronchiectasis?

A

Thickened, permanently dilated and inflamed bronchial walls due to progressive damage to the lungs

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2
Q

What time of lung disease is bronchiectasis?

A

Obstructive

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3
Q

Describe the most common causes of Bronchiectasis?

A

Caused by an infection which then leads to inflammation

Eg: Pneumonia, TB, CF

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4
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of Bronchiectasis?

A

Destruction of the alveolar walls and fibrosis of the remaining lung tissue

This then leads to dilation of the small airways (Bronchioles)

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5
Q

Which part of the lungs are mainly affected by Bronchiectasis?

A

The lower lobes are most affected

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6
Q

Describe what happens in Bronchiectasis after damage to the walls, scar tissue and dilatation?

A

Pooling of mucous and pus which then leads to many more infections

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7
Q

What does this picture show?

A

Airway wall is thickened and full of scar tissue

Lots of mucous present

Dilated airway

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8
Q

Symptoms of Bronchiectasis?

A

Chronic Cough

Copious amounts of Purulent Sputum

Clubbing

Recurrent Infections

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9
Q

Signs of Bronchiectasis?

A

Coarse Crackles

Clubbing

Wheeze

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10
Q

Investigations in Bronchiectasis?

A

Sputum Sample

CXR

CT

Sweat Electrolyte Testing (FOR CF)

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11
Q

Describe what you would see on a CT?

A

Classical SIGNET RING appearance

This is when the bronchiole appears wider than the neighbouring arteriole

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12
Q

What would you possibly see on an CXR?

A

Tram Line Shadows

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13
Q

What are the buzzwords for Bronchiectasis?

A

Tram Line Shadows (CXR) Signet Ring Sign (CT) Clubbing

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14
Q

Complications of Bronchiectasis?

A

Pneumonia Abscess

Empyema

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Cor Pulmonale

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15
Q

How does Bronchiectasis cause Cor Pulmonale?

A

Bronchiectasis causes severe scarring and loss of lung tissue. This causes the heart to strain as it tries to pump blood through this altered lung tissue leading to Cor Pulmonale or right heart failure

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16
Q

Describe the management of Bronchiectasis?

A

There is no curative management however symptomatic relief is the same as CF:

  • Postural Drainage (Drains the affected lobes)
  • Antibiotics (Halt the disease progression)