Medical Central Resource

These findings are most consistent with brochiectasis.

Ryan Zucker

4/8/97

Presentation

Patient with a history of emphysema.

Imaging Technique

Plain X-ray

Imaging Findings

Hyperexpanded lungs and flattened diaphragm. In the mid lungs and lung bases bilaterally there are paralinear shoadows that are most consistent with the walls of dilated bronchi in the periphery of the lungs.

Diagnosis

These findings are most consistent with brochiectasis.

Discussion

Bronchiectasis is abnormal permanent dilation of bronchi. Bronchiectasis may be localized, most commonly as a result of prior TB or generalized, as seen in patients with cystic fibrosis. Patients usually have a history of chronic sputum production and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. The chest radiographic findings of bronchiectasis are typically non specific, with scarring, volume loss, and loss of the sharp definition of the normal bronchovascular shadows in affected regions. Parallel linear shadows that represent the walls of cylindrically dilated bronchi seen in length may be visualized. The findings tend to be peripheral in most cases of localized bronchiectasis. Central bronchiectasis can be see in allergic brochopulmonary aspergillosis, cystic fibrosis, bronchial atresia, or acquired central bronchial obstruction.

Submitted by: Ryan Zucker,Capt,USAF,MC,Wilford Hall Medical Center
Reviewed by: Timothy Georgelas,Col,USAF,MC,Wilford Hall Medical Center