Bronchiectasis Flashcards
What is bronchiectasis?
The chronic dilation of one or more bronchi
Leads to poor mucous clearance and a predisposition to infection
How can you identify bronchiectasis from a CT scan?
The Signet ring sign shows thickening of the airways
The bronchus should be smaller than an artery, but it is larger
In what % of cases of bronchiectasis is the aetiology identified?
40%
After which infections does bronchiectasis occur post-infection?
Measles, whooping cough, childhood pneumonia or tuberculosis
What are 4 main causes of bronchiectasis?
Post -infection
Immune deficiency
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Defective clearance
What is common variable hypogammaglobulinemia?
a significant decrease in levels of IgG antibodies, usually alongside IgA antibodies
IgM antibody levels are decreased in 50% of patients
What is selective immunoglobulin deficiency?
A type of hypogammaglobulinemia that results in the absence of a particular type of immunoglobulin
What other factors can cause immune deficiency?
HIV and lung transplants
Immunosuppressants are taken after a transplant
What is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis caused by?
the mould Aspergillus fumigatus
2 - 3 micrometre spores are airborne and can enter the alveoli
Which conditions cause defective clearance which can lead to bronchiectasis?
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (Kartagener syndrome) which causes defects in the cilia
Cystic fibrosis
What is defective clearance?
Prevention of the clearance of mucous from the respiratory tract
What mechanical factors can cause bronchiectasis?
inhalation of a foreign body, tumour or lymph node
What are the main symptoms of bronchiectasis?
- persistent purulent sputum in non-smokers
- haemoptysis
- tachypnoea
- wheeze
- sinusitis and nasal symptoms
- weight loss
- pleurisy
- nasal polyps
What is pleurisy?
Inflammation of the pleura
What are nasal polyps?
Painless soft growths inside the nose
