RT Book, Section
A1 Barker, Alan F.
A1 Brody, Steven L.
A2 Grippi, Michael A.
A2 Elias, Jack A.
A2 Fishman, Jay A.
A2 Kotloff, Robert M.
A2 Pack, Allan I.
A2 Senior, Robert M.
A2 Siegel, Mark D.
SR Print(0)
ID 1122360337
T1 Bronchiectasis
T2 Fishman's Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders, 5e
YR 2015
FD 2015
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 978-0-07-179672-9
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1122360337
RD 2024/10/08
AB Bronchiectasis  (broncos,  airways;  ectasia,  dilatation)  is  a  morphologic  term  used  to  describe  abnormal,  irreversibly  dilated  and  thick-walled  bronchi.  This  is  an  anatomic  definition  that  evolved  from  Laennec’s  original  description  in  1819  of  ectatic  bronchi  in  pathologic  specimens.  Bronchiectasis  represents  the  end  stage  of  a  variety  of  pathologic  processes  that  cause  destruction  of  the  bronchial  wall  and  its  surrounding  supporting  tissues.  Etiologies  include  prior  lung  infection,  systemic  inflammatory  disorders,  and  genetic  disorders  of  host  defense,  however,  bronchiectasis  is  considered  to  be  idiopathic  in  up  to  half  of  the  affected  individuals.  The  clinical  manifestations  include  chronic  cough  and  copious  mucopurulent  expectoration.1  Bronchiectasis  shares  many  features  with  chronic  bronchitis,  including  inflamed  and  easily  collapsible  airways,  airflow  obstruction  on  spirometry,  and  frequent  exacerbations.