AbstractBackground: Bronchiectasis causes physical, social, and financial strain on affected patients and results in a significant negative effect on the quality of life of the patient.
Objectives: This study was undertaken to find the role of HRCT in diagnosis, regional distribution and characterize bronchiectasis morphologically.
Method: A prospective study of sixty patients was done in whom clinically bronchiectasis was suspected and were subjected to HRCT examination. Bronchiectasis was assessed in terms of localization, regional distribution and morphological forms.
Results: The mean age for all patients included in the study was 50.7 ± 12.09. The mean age of the male patients was 51.56 ± 12.09 and the mean age of the female patients was 50.16 ± 12.23Out of a total of 60 patients there were 23 (38%) males and 37 (62%) females. 18 patients (30%) had unilateral disease & 42 (70%) had disease in both lungs. Posterior basal segment of left lower lobe was most commonly affected (72%), followed by medial segment of right middle lobe (56%). Cylindrical bronchiectasis was the most common (36%) morphological form of bronchiectasis followed by mixed bronchiectasis. Peripherally visualized bronchi (82%) was the most common findings in our study followed by lack of tapering (75%).Bronchial wall thickening was seen in 72% of patients. Bronchial: pulmonary artery ratio > 1.5 was noted in 63% of patients.
Conclusion: Based on our results, it can be concluded that HRCT serves as the best modality in confirming the diagnosis of bronchiectasis. Left lower lobe, especially posterior basal segment is most commonly involved. Bilateral involvement is more common than unilateral involvement peripherally visualized bronchi was the most common findings in our study followed by lack of tapering. Cylindrical bronchiectasis is the most common form of bronchiectasis.
