Emphasizing the role of multi-detector computed tomography chest in the etiological diagnosis of pulmonary bronchiectasis

Abstract

In this study we aimed to highlight the role of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest in the detection of pulmonary bronchiectatic lesions and to display the approach used in determining the proper etiological diagnosis. Patients and methods: This study involved 62 patients; 36 females and 26 males, were referred to the radiology department for MSCT of the chest from the pulmonary department in the period from October 2016 – April 2017. Results: Pulmonary bronchiectatic lesions were classified according to bronchiectasis distribution; with bilateral lesions were more common in 62.5% of patients, classification according to morphological type with the cylindrical bronchiectasis was the most common shape in 37.5% of case, classification according to bronchiectasis etiology, most of cases were post inflammatory in 42.2% of cases, followed by traction bronchiectasis in 34.4% of cases. Then the diagnostic approach to reach different etiologies was displayed. Conclusion: The role of MDCT imaging in diagnosis and evaluation of bronchiectasis is crucial. Keywords: MDCT, Chest, Bronchiectasis