THEME VII: LUNG INFECTIONS: Lung Abscess, Lung Hydatid Disease, Bronchiectatic Disease
1. What is the definition of “bronchiectasis”?
- Bronchiectasis → is defined as a permanent and abnormal dilation of bronchi.
- caused by destruction of the elastic and muscular components of the bronchial wall.
- The distribution pattern can be either localized or diffused.
2. The pathologic classification of bronchiectasis defines three main types. Which are they?
The three main types of bronchiectasis are:
- I. Cylindrical
- II. Saccular
- III. Mixed (or varicose)
3. What is the pathological characteristic of cylindrical bronchiectasis?
- Cylindrical bronchiectasis are:
- uniformly dilated bronchi until the junction of the smaller airways which are usually obstructed due to massive secretion.
- This type is frequently associated with tuberculosis.
4. What is the pathological characteristic of saccular bronchiectasis?
- Saccular bronchiectasis
- the peripheral bronchi are dilated and end in blind sacs without functional bronchial structures peripheral to the dilated area.
5. What is the pathological character of mixed bronchiectasis?
- Mixed bronchiectasis
- The affected bronchi have an irregular or beaded dilation pattern evocative of varicose veins.
6. What is the current standard examination for establishment of diagnosis for the “bronchiectasis”?
- The current standard examination for establishment of the diagnosis is the Computed tomography scan.
- High resolution CT scanning is a very sensitive method for detection of bronchiectasis and assessment of the distribution of bronchiectasis alteration.
7. What is the usual clinical manifestation of bronchiectasis?
Clinical manifestation of bronchiectasis is usually dominated by:
- Chronic or Recurrent Pulmonary Infections with abundant sputum production
8. Which is the leading clinical symptom of bronchiectasis?
The leading clinical symptom of bronchiectasis is:
- Recurrent or permanent cough with ample sputum production.
- Frequently the sputum is purulent, and in advanced stages of disease it is often accompanied by hemoptysis.
9. Which treatment method offers a potential cure for bronchiectasis?
- Surgery is the only option offering a potential cure for bronchiectasis.
- The main role of surgery is in patients with localised disease.
10. Which is the appropriate surgical option in end stage of bronchiectatic disease?
- In end-stage of bronchiectatic disease, after utilisation of all conservative treatment modalities and with no option for localised resection, lung transplantation is the appropriate surgical option.
11. Which is the most severe acute complication of bronchiectasis?
The most severe acute complication of bronchiectasis is:
- Hemoptysis- massive bleeding.
- It is accepted as a life-threatening condition.
- Results from erosions of hypertrophic bronchial arteries or lesions in abnormal anastomoses between the pulmonary and bronchial arterial circulations