Evaluation of pattern and distribution of bronchiectasis in high resolution computed tomography and its correlation with etiological factors

Background. Etiological diagnosis is essential in bronchiectasis for proper management as improperly managed bronchiectasis often worsens over a period of time. Etiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis depends on history, clinical features and HRCT scan. Recognition of the pattern of involvement & distribution of bronchiectasis in HRCT is useful to outline the differential diagnosis, map the complications and, hence, guide the further management in bronchiectasis. Aim. To evaluate the pattern and distribution of bronchiectasis in HRCT and its correlation with etiological factors for bronchiectasis. Methods. This was an institution based cross sectional study where HRCT of the patients diagnosed as bronchiectasis during the time period between October 2018 to December 2019 were studied for its pattern and distribution by a single radiologist with five years’ experience in thoracic radiology. These results were statistically analysed for any association with etiological factors for bronchiectasis. Results. HRCT of 76 patients with bronchiectasis was studied. Median age of the population was 52.6 comprising of 47.4% females and 52.6% males. Obstructive airway diseases and post tubercular bronchiectasis were the most common etiological factors. Significant association was found in lobar distribution (p value<0.001), type of bronchiectasis (p value=0.006), cross sectional distribution of bronchiectasis (p value =0.04) and overall distribution of bronchiectasis [unilateral or bilateral, symmetrical or asymmetrical] (p value<0.001) with etiological factors of bronchiectasis. Conclusions. There is statistically significant correlation between the etiological factors and patterns and distribution of bronchiectasis in HRCT. Hence HRCT is a useful tool to outline the differential diagnosis of bronchiectasis.