Chest CT Appearances
Bronchiectasis CT Findings
- Internal diameter greater than adjacent pulmonary artery
- Signet ring sign
- Dilated airways in horizontal orientation, “tram tracks”
- “String of pearls”
- Lack of tapering ( > 2 cm distal bifurcation)
- Within 1 cm costal/ adjacent mediastinal pleura
Other Information About Bronchiectasis
Etiology:
- Lung infection
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cystic fibrosis
Epidemiology:
- Can occur at any age
- If not caused by cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis typically presents after age 65
Presentation:
- Cough with sputum
- Foul smelling sputum
- Hemoptysis
- Dyspnea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Prognosis:
- The prognosis depends on the cause of the bronchiectasis