Broncheictasis

Question 1

How is bronchiectasis seen on a CT scan?

Answer 1

Signet ring sign

This is due to bronchial dilation being larger than the adjacent artery

Question 2

What is the definition of brochiestasis?

Answer 2

Chronic dilation of one or more bronchi. These bronchi are extra dilated so it is harder for mucus clearance so they are predisposed to chronic infections

Question 3

How many people in the UK have bronchiectasis?

Answer 3

1 in 250-500 people have it

Question 4

What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?

Answer 4

Very common- chronic cough and daily sputum production
Common- breathlessness on exertion, intermittent haemoptysis, nasal symptoms, chest pain, fatigue
Rarer symptoms- wheeze

Question 5

What are the causes of bronchiectasis?

Answer 5

Post infective
Immune deficiency
Mucocillary clearance defects
Obstruction
Toxic insult
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillous 
Rheumatoid arthritis

Question 6

What is the most common microorganism to cause bronchiectasis?

Answer 6

Haemophilius influenzae

Question 7

How do you manage bronchiectasis?

Answer 7

Physio/ airway clearance 
Sputum sampling
Exclude immunodefiency
Give patients a management plan for infective exacerbation
Flu vaccine