Role of High Resolution Computerized Tomography in Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis

Abstract

Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition that affects the lungs. It is defined by inflamed, permanently and irreversibly damaged airways. Common symptoms of bronchiectasis include a chronic cough, producing sputum (phlegm), recurrent chest infections, fatigue and breathlessness. Many pulmonary syndromes and systemic diseases have been described that have bronchiectasis as an integral feature. Contrary to earlier perceptions that it is an "orphan disease", bronchiectasis appears to be under diagnosed, especially in childhood, and new disease associations continue to be described. With the advent of (HRCT) scanning, bronchiectasis has been demonstrated as an important cause of respiratory disease that may predispose to premature mortality. This long-neglected illness should receive more research attention in order to provide better understanding of its etiology, pathogenesis and multimodality treatment. The pattern and distribution of abnormalities revealed by HRCT in patients with bronchiectasis are affected by underlying cause.