Bronchiectasis Flashcards
What is bronchiectasis?
Thickened, permanently dilated and inflamed bronchial walls due to progressive damage to the lungs
What time of lung disease is bronchiectasis?
Obstructive
Describe the most common causes of Bronchiectasis?
Caused by an infection which then leads to inflammation
Eg: Pneumonia, TB, CF
Describe the pathophysiology of Bronchiectasis?
Destruction of the alveolar walls and fibrosis of the remaining lung tissue
This then leads to dilation of the small airways (Bronchioles)
Which part of the lungs are mainly affected by Bronchiectasis?
The lower lobes are most affected
Describe what happens in Bronchiectasis after damage to the walls, scar tissue and dilatation?
Pooling of mucous and pus which then leads to many more infections
What does this picture show?
Airway wall is thickened and full of scar tissue
Lots of mucous present
Dilated airway
Symptoms of Bronchiectasis?
Chronic Cough
Copious amounts of Purulent Sputum
Clubbing
Recurrent Infections
Signs of Bronchiectasis?
Coarse Crackles
Clubbing
Wheeze
Investigations in Bronchiectasis?
Sputum Sample
CXR
CT
Sweat Electrolyte Testing (FOR CF)
Describe what you would see on a CT?
Classical SIGNET RING appearance
This is when the bronchiole appears wider than the neighbouring arteriole
What would you possibly see on an CXR?
Tram Line Shadows
What are the buzzwords for Bronchiectasis?
Tram Line Shadows (CXR) Signet Ring Sign (CT) Clubbing
Complications of Bronchiectasis?
Pneumonia Abscess
Empyema
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Cor Pulmonale
How does Bronchiectasis cause Cor Pulmonale?
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
