This lecture describes in detail the pathology of Bronchiectasis . The lecture is prepared for sem 3 nursing students. It includes types of bronchiectasis , its types, etiopathogenesis, gross morphology an dmicroscopic morphology.
2. DEFINITION
◦ Abnormal and irreversible
dilatation of the bronchi and
bronchioles developing secondary
to inflammatory weakening of the
bronchial wall.
4. 1) ENDOBRONCHIAL OBSTRUCTION
◦ Obstruction of the bronchi by foreign body, tumors, enlarged ,lymph nodes
Resorption of air distal to obstruction
Atelectasis
Retention of secretions
6. ETIOLOGY
◦ Both mechanisms are widely seen in various clinical settings
1) HEREDITY
2) OBSTRUCTION
3) SECONDARY COMPLICATION
7. 1) HEREDITY
◦ 1) Congenital bronchiectasis – caused by developmental defect of the bronchi
◦ 2) Cystic fibrosis – defect of the exocrine glands causing increased mucus secretion leading to
bronchiectasis
◦ 3) Hereditary Immune Deficiency diseases- high incidence of bronchiectasis
◦ 4) Immotile cilia syndrome- ultrastructural changes in the cilia leads to ineffective airway
clearance
◦ 5) Atopic bronchial asthma – leads to bronchiectasis in some cases
8. 2) OBSTRUCTION
◦ 1) Foreign body obstruction
◦ 2) Endotracheal Tumors
◦ 3) Compression by enlarged lymphnodes
◦ 4) Post inflammatory scarring of bronchi
9. 3) SECONDARY COMPLICATIONS
◦ Bronchiectasis may occur as a result of the complication of many respiratory disorders.
◦ Pneumonia
◦ Tuberculosis
◦ Bronchitis
11. MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES
◦ GROSS MORPHOLOGY
◦ Lungs maybe involved segmentally or diffusely
◦ Bilateral involvement of lower lobes
◦ Left airway more involved than right
◦ Pleura is fibrotic
◦ Pleura is thick with adhesions to the chest wall
◦ Cut section of affected lobes shows honey combed appearance
◦ Bronchi are very dilated near the pleura
◦ Thickened bronchial wall.
◦ Bronchia tube is filled with mucus
12. ◦ BRONCHOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF THE AIRWAYS
◦ 1) CYLINDRICAL – tube like bronchial dilation
◦ 2) FUSIFORM- spindle shaped bronchial dilation
◦ 3) SACCULAR- rounded sac like bronchial dilation
◦ 4) VARICOSE- irregular shaped bronchial dilation
13. ◦ MICROSCOPIC FEATURES
◦ Bronchial epithelium – normal, ulcerated or metaplastic
◦ Bronchial wall- infiltrated with inflammatory cells
◦ Destruction of normal muscle and elastic tissues
◦ Replaced by fibrosis
◦ Lung parenchyma shows fibrosis
◦ Interstitial pneumonia
◦ Adherent pleura with fibrous tissue
16. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
◦ Clinical history
◦ Radiographic features
◦ X ray
◦ HRCT thorax
◦ Pulmonary function test- reveals obstructive pattern , reduced FEV1 and FVC
◦ Cough test – ability , strength and effectiveness of coughing checked
◦ Bronchial biopsy
◦ Sputum culture and sensitivity
◦ Alpha anti trypsin levels
17. TREATMENT
◦ Antimicrobial therapy
◦ Maintenance of hygiene
◦ Clearance of secretions by postural drainage
◦ Mucolytics
◦ Anti inflammatory therapy
◦ Bronchodilation – corticosteroids and bronchodilators
◦ Resection of affected lung