Bronchiectasis

Preliminary Diagnosis: Bronchiectasis

I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?

• Chest radiograph: PA and lateral views

II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

Advantages

• Relatively inexpensive and fast imaging modality
• Highly portable
• Exposes the patient to minimal ionizing radiation

Disadvantages

• Less sensitive and specific in locating the anatomical location and type of bronchiectasis compared to CT
• Less adept in evaluating for any underlying pulmonary process or secondary complications compared to CT

III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?

No specific contraindications to plain radiography exist.

IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?

High-resolution CT of the chest without contrast

V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

High-resolution CT of the chest without contrast

Advantages

• Highly specific and sensitive in diagnosing bronchiectasis, detailing the anatomic location, and type of bronchiectasis
• Better adept on detailing any underlying or complicating pulmonary process

Disadvantages

• Exposes the patients to ionizing radiation

VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?

High-resolution CT of the chest without contrast

May be contraindicated in pregnant patients

Copyright © 2017, 2013 Decision Support in Medicine, LLC. All rights reserved.

No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. The Licensed Content is the property of and copyrighted by DSM.