Bronchiectasis 
Causes and Diagnosis 
S a n t i S i l a i r a t a n a , M D 
Pulmonar y Medicine Uni t , Depar tment of Medicine, 
Facul ty of Medicine Vaj i ra Hospi tal 
Navamindradhiraj Unive r s i ty
Bronchiectasis: Outline 
Disease 
definition 
Airway 
defense 
mechanisms 
Causes Pathology & Diagnosis 
Pathophysiology
Bronchiectasis 
/bräŋ′kē ek′tə sis/ 
First original pathological description 
by René-Théophile-Hyacinthe Laennec in 1819 
Abnormal irreversibly dilated 
and often thick-walled bronchi 
! 
resulting from a variety of 
pathologic process that cause destruction 
of the bronchial wall and its surrounding 
supporting tissues
Airway Defense Mechanisms 
Mucociliary clearance 
Innate immunity 
Neutrophils 
Macrophages and dentritic cells 
NK cells 
Adaptive Immunity 
Cellular components Protein components 
Immunoglobulins 
T and B lymphocytes 
Toll-like receptors 
Antimicrobial proteins: Lysozymes, 
lactoferrins, peroxidase, defensin, cathecidins 
Inflammatory cytokines: interferons, 
cytokines, chemokines, complements 
Waterer G W. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
Etiology of Bronchiectasis 
Chronic/persistent 
! 
Endobronchial TB 
Bronchial obstruction 
ABPA 
Repeated/episodic 
GERD 
Aspirations 
Posterior nasal drip 
Acute/severe 
Measles 
Mucociliary defects 
1o ciliary dyskinesia 
Influenza pneumonia 
inhalation injury 
Radiation injury 
Cystic fibrosis 
Cellular/immune defects 
Common variable immune deficiency 
X-link agammaglobulinemia 
Hyper IgE syndrome 
Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency 
HIV infection 
Associated conditions 
Rheumatoid arthritis 
Sjögren syndrome 
Relapsing polychondritis 
SLE 
Airway defenses 
Injury events 
1st hit 
Bronchiectasis 2nd hit
Reported Etiologies of Bronchiectasis 
Others 
6% 
2% 
2% 
3% 
5% 
7% 
8% 
24% 
45% Idiopathic 
Rheumatoid arthritis 
GERD or aspiration 
Young syndrome 
Primary ciliary dyskinesia 
Allergic 
bronchopulmonary 
aspergillosis 
Immunodeficiency Postinfectious 
Quast T M, Self A R, Browning R F et al. Dis Mon 2008; 54: 527-539. 
Pasteur M C, Helliwell S M, Hughton S J et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2006; 100: 2183-2189.
Pathogenesis of Bronchiectasis: The Vicious Cycle 
Release 
of inflammatory cytokines 
peroxidases, proteinases 
elastase, etc. 
Destruction 
of mucociliary and 
cartilagenous supporing 
structures 
Infection 
with acute inflammation 
and recruitment of 
inflmmatory cells 
Colonization 
and biofilm formation 
intermittent dispersals 
Impairment 
mucociliary clearance 
sputum retention 
Loss 
of ventilatory 
function
Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Bronchiectasis 
Flagellum 
Mobility 
Release of the proinflammatory 
chemokines on attachment 
Pili 
Adherence to lipid membrane 
Release of toll-like receptors 
Recruitment of phagocytic cells 
Lipopolysaccharide 
Quarum sensing 
Alginate 
Adherence to the epithelial cells 
Pyocyanin 
Disruption of the epithelial cell wall 
Impairment of ciliary function 
Systemic inflammation 
Production of lactone 
cell-cell signaling 
Barker A F, Moulton B C. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
Role of Biofilms 
Adapted from Beckford-Ball J. http://woundsinternational.wordpress.com
Histologic Changes in Bronchiectasis 
Normal bronchus Bronchiectasis 
Cartilage 
destruction 
and fibrosis 
Mucosal and 
mucous gland 
hyperplasia 
Inflammatory 
cells 
infiltration 
Increased 
mucus and 
exudates
Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis: General Consideration 
Underlying or 
associated condition(s) 
Microbiology of 
the bronchiectatic airway 
Definitive diagnosis 
Severity of impairment
Clinical Manifestations of Bronchiectasis 
Clinical Features of 
bronchiectasis 
Clinical features of the 
associated/causative 
condition(s) 
History 
Chronic productive cough* 
Sputum production* 
Reported bouts of respiratory tract infection 
Physical examination 
Wheezing, rhonchi, crackles 
Clubbing 
Cyanosis 
CTDs 
Arthritis 
Sicca syndrome 
ABPA 
Prominent 
wheezing 
Bronchial 
obstruction 
localized 
wheezing 
PCD, CF, Young Syndrome 
Recurrent sinus disease 
Infertility
Pathological Classification of Bronchiectasis
Chest Radiograph 
Bronchial wall thickening and widening 
with parallel configuration 
“Tram track” sign
Chest Radiograph (2) 
Conglomerating cysts of varying size 
and wall thickness 
“Honeycomb” sign
High Resolution CT 
Cylindrical Saccular/Varicoid Cystic
Spirometry and Arterial Blood Gas Analysis 
Supportive evidence of airway disease (Obstructive defect) 
Severity assessment (Severe impairment = poor prognosis) 
Bronchodilator therapy (Positive bronchodilator response) 
Oxygen therapy (Hypoxemia)
Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis: General Consideration 
Microbiology of 
the bronchiectatic airway 
Definitive diagnosis 
Severity of impairment 
Underlying or 
associated condition(s)
Additional Tests for Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis 
Test/Procedure Suggestive clinical features Etiology 
Quantitative immunoglobulins 
(IgG, IgA, IgM) 
Concomitant sinus disease, recurrent 
infection Common variable immune deficiency 
Aspergillous-specific IgG, IgE 
level, aspergillus skin testing 
Asthma, central bronchiectasis, 
prominent mucus plugging Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis 
IgE level Eczema, staphylococcal infections, 
retained primary teeth 
Hypergammaglobulinemia E 
(Job sydrome) 
Alpha-1 antitrypsin level Emphysema Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency 
Sweat chloride, nasal potential 
Concominant sinus disease, younger 
difference or CF mutation screen 
age, upper lobe disease Cystic fibrosis 
Bronchoscopy Unilateral focal disease Bronchial obstruction 
Metersky M L. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
Additional Tests for Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis (2) 
Test/Procedure Suggestive clinical features Etiology 
Bronchoscopy with mycobacterial 
cultures 
“Tree-in-bud” on HRCT, nodules, 
cavity, scoliosis, pectus 
Nontuberculous mycobacteria and 
tuberculosis 
Ciliary biopsy, ciliary functional 
testing, nasal nitric oxide 
Childhood onset, sinus or ear 
infections, situs inversus, infertility Primary ciliary dyskinesia 
Swallow evaluation of esophageal pH 
measurement M avium disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease or 
aspiration 
IgG subclass levels, response to 
immunization, tests for qualitative 
Childhood onset, recurrent infections, 
Congenital immunodeficiency 
immune defects 
dysmorphic features 
Serology for autoimmune disease Arthritis, sicca syndrome Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren 
syndrome 
Serology for HIV infection Opportunistic infections, recurrent 
infections HIV disease 
Metersky M L. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
Diagnostic Workup in Bronchiectasis 
Chronic/persistent 
! 
Endobronchial TB 
Bronchial obstruction 
ABPA 
Repeated/episodic 
GERD 
Aspirations 
Posterior nasal drip 
Mucociliary defects 
1o ciliary dyskinesia 
Cystic fibrosis 
Acute/severe 
Measles 
! 
! 
Influenza pneumonia 
inhalation injury 
Radiation injury 
Cellular/immune defects 
Common variable immune deficiency 
X-link agammaglobulinemia 
Hyper IgE syndrome 
Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency 
HIV infection 
Associated conditions 
Rheumatoid arthritis 
Sjögren syndrome 
Relapsing polychondritis 
SLE 
Ciliary biopsy/function test 
Sweat chloride 
CF mutation screening 
Quantitative immunoglobulins 
IgG or IgE levels 
AAT level 
Serology for HIV 
Serology for CTDs: 
ANA, Anti-Sm 
Anti-Ro, Anti-La 
etc. 
Esophageal pH 
Swallow evaluation 
Bronchoscopy 
Aspergillus IgG/IgE 
Aspergillus allergy test 
Metersky M L. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis: General Consideration 
Definitive diagnosis 
Severity of impairment 
Underlying or 
associated condition(s) 
Microbiology of 
the affected airways
Microbiology in Bronchiectasis 
Percentage (%) 
50 
40 
30 
20 
10 
0 
H influenzae 
S pneumoniae 
Ps aeruginosa 
S aureus 
M catarrhalis 
2 0 0 
Aspergillus spp. 
Mycobacteria 
2 or more 
20 
0 
31 
13 
35 
6 
40 
5 
2 
7 
31 
11 
30 
21 
2 1 0 4 
11 
18 
40 
Li, 2005 Nicotra, 1995 Pasteur, 2000 
Barker A F and Ahmed S Y, Fishman’s Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders, 4th Edition. 2008.
Bronchiectasis: Summary 
Abnormal irreversibly dilated and often thick-walled bronchi 
Pathogenesis related to one or more defects of mucociliary 
clearance, cellular and immunity defense mechanism or 
presence of associated conditions 
“The vicious cycle” and P aeruginosa contributes progression 
and severity of disease 
Imaging greatly helps in diagnosis: Tram line, honeycombing, 
cystic, signet ring sign 
Additional test may be required in specific clinical settings 
Microbiology of the diseased airway may aid proper 
antimicrobial therapy
Thank you

Bronchiectasis - causes and diagnosis

  • 1.
    Bronchiectasis Causes andDiagnosis S a n t i S i l a i r a t a n a , M D Pulmonar y Medicine Uni t , Depar tment of Medicine, Facul ty of Medicine Vaj i ra Hospi tal Navamindradhiraj Unive r s i ty
  • 2.
    Bronchiectasis: Outline Disease definition Airway defense mechanisms Causes Pathology & Diagnosis Pathophysiology
  • 3.
    Bronchiectasis /bräŋ′kē ek′təsis/ First original pathological description by René-Théophile-Hyacinthe Laennec in 1819 Abnormal irreversibly dilated and often thick-walled bronchi ! resulting from a variety of pathologic process that cause destruction of the bronchial wall and its surrounding supporting tissues
  • 4.
    Airway Defense Mechanisms Mucociliary clearance Innate immunity Neutrophils Macrophages and dentritic cells NK cells Adaptive Immunity Cellular components Protein components Immunoglobulins T and B lymphocytes Toll-like receptors Antimicrobial proteins: Lysozymes, lactoferrins, peroxidase, defensin, cathecidins Inflammatory cytokines: interferons, cytokines, chemokines, complements Waterer G W. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
  • 5.
    Etiology of Bronchiectasis Chronic/persistent ! Endobronchial TB Bronchial obstruction ABPA Repeated/episodic GERD Aspirations Posterior nasal drip Acute/severe Measles Mucociliary defects 1o ciliary dyskinesia Influenza pneumonia inhalation injury Radiation injury Cystic fibrosis Cellular/immune defects Common variable immune deficiency X-link agammaglobulinemia Hyper IgE syndrome Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency HIV infection Associated conditions Rheumatoid arthritis Sjögren syndrome Relapsing polychondritis SLE Airway defenses Injury events 1st hit Bronchiectasis 2nd hit
  • 6.
    Reported Etiologies ofBronchiectasis Others 6% 2% 2% 3% 5% 7% 8% 24% 45% Idiopathic Rheumatoid arthritis GERD or aspiration Young syndrome Primary ciliary dyskinesia Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis Immunodeficiency Postinfectious Quast T M, Self A R, Browning R F et al. Dis Mon 2008; 54: 527-539. Pasteur M C, Helliwell S M, Hughton S J et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2006; 100: 2183-2189.
  • 7.
    Pathogenesis of Bronchiectasis:The Vicious Cycle Release of inflammatory cytokines peroxidases, proteinases elastase, etc. Destruction of mucociliary and cartilagenous supporing structures Infection with acute inflammation and recruitment of inflmmatory cells Colonization and biofilm formation intermittent dispersals Impairment mucociliary clearance sputum retention Loss of ventilatory function
  • 8.
    Pseudomonas aeruginosa inBronchiectasis Flagellum Mobility Release of the proinflammatory chemokines on attachment Pili Adherence to lipid membrane Release of toll-like receptors Recruitment of phagocytic cells Lipopolysaccharide Quarum sensing Alginate Adherence to the epithelial cells Pyocyanin Disruption of the epithelial cell wall Impairment of ciliary function Systemic inflammation Production of lactone cell-cell signaling Barker A F, Moulton B C. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
  • 9.
    Role of Biofilms Adapted from Beckford-Ball J. http://woundsinternational.wordpress.com
  • 10.
    Histologic Changes inBronchiectasis Normal bronchus Bronchiectasis Cartilage destruction and fibrosis Mucosal and mucous gland hyperplasia Inflammatory cells infiltration Increased mucus and exudates
  • 11.
    Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis:General Consideration Underlying or associated condition(s) Microbiology of the bronchiectatic airway Definitive diagnosis Severity of impairment
  • 12.
    Clinical Manifestations ofBronchiectasis Clinical Features of bronchiectasis Clinical features of the associated/causative condition(s) History Chronic productive cough* Sputum production* Reported bouts of respiratory tract infection Physical examination Wheezing, rhonchi, crackles Clubbing Cyanosis CTDs Arthritis Sicca syndrome ABPA Prominent wheezing Bronchial obstruction localized wheezing PCD, CF, Young Syndrome Recurrent sinus disease Infertility
  • 13.
  • 14.
    Chest Radiograph Bronchialwall thickening and widening with parallel configuration “Tram track” sign
  • 15.
    Chest Radiograph (2) Conglomerating cysts of varying size and wall thickness “Honeycomb” sign
  • 16.
    High Resolution CT Cylindrical Saccular/Varicoid Cystic
  • 17.
    Spirometry and ArterialBlood Gas Analysis Supportive evidence of airway disease (Obstructive defect) Severity assessment (Severe impairment = poor prognosis) Bronchodilator therapy (Positive bronchodilator response) Oxygen therapy (Hypoxemia)
  • 18.
    Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis:General Consideration Microbiology of the bronchiectatic airway Definitive diagnosis Severity of impairment Underlying or associated condition(s)
  • 19.
    Additional Tests forDiagnosis of Bronchiectasis Test/Procedure Suggestive clinical features Etiology Quantitative immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) Concomitant sinus disease, recurrent infection Common variable immune deficiency Aspergillous-specific IgG, IgE level, aspergillus skin testing Asthma, central bronchiectasis, prominent mucus plugging Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis IgE level Eczema, staphylococcal infections, retained primary teeth Hypergammaglobulinemia E (Job sydrome) Alpha-1 antitrypsin level Emphysema Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency Sweat chloride, nasal potential Concominant sinus disease, younger difference or CF mutation screen age, upper lobe disease Cystic fibrosis Bronchoscopy Unilateral focal disease Bronchial obstruction Metersky M L. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
  • 20.
    Additional Tests forDiagnosis of Bronchiectasis (2) Test/Procedure Suggestive clinical features Etiology Bronchoscopy with mycobacterial cultures “Tree-in-bud” on HRCT, nodules, cavity, scoliosis, pectus Nontuberculous mycobacteria and tuberculosis Ciliary biopsy, ciliary functional testing, nasal nitric oxide Childhood onset, sinus or ear infections, situs inversus, infertility Primary ciliary dyskinesia Swallow evaluation of esophageal pH measurement M avium disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease or aspiration IgG subclass levels, response to immunization, tests for qualitative Childhood onset, recurrent infections, Congenital immunodeficiency immune defects dysmorphic features Serology for autoimmune disease Arthritis, sicca syndrome Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome Serology for HIV infection Opportunistic infections, recurrent infections HIV disease Metersky M L. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
  • 21.
    Diagnostic Workup inBronchiectasis Chronic/persistent ! Endobronchial TB Bronchial obstruction ABPA Repeated/episodic GERD Aspirations Posterior nasal drip Mucociliary defects 1o ciliary dyskinesia Cystic fibrosis Acute/severe Measles ! ! Influenza pneumonia inhalation injury Radiation injury Cellular/immune defects Common variable immune deficiency X-link agammaglobulinemia Hyper IgE syndrome Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency HIV infection Associated conditions Rheumatoid arthritis Sjögren syndrome Relapsing polychondritis SLE Ciliary biopsy/function test Sweat chloride CF mutation screening Quantitative immunoglobulins IgG or IgE levels AAT level Serology for HIV Serology for CTDs: ANA, Anti-Sm Anti-Ro, Anti-La etc. Esophageal pH Swallow evaluation Bronchoscopy Aspergillus IgG/IgE Aspergillus allergy test Metersky M L. Clin Chest Med 33 (2012) 211-217.
  • 22.
    Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis:General Consideration Definitive diagnosis Severity of impairment Underlying or associated condition(s) Microbiology of the affected airways
  • 23.
    Microbiology in Bronchiectasis Percentage (%) 50 40 30 20 10 0 H influenzae S pneumoniae Ps aeruginosa S aureus M catarrhalis 2 0 0 Aspergillus spp. Mycobacteria 2 or more 20 0 31 13 35 6 40 5 2 7 31 11 30 21 2 1 0 4 11 18 40 Li, 2005 Nicotra, 1995 Pasteur, 2000 Barker A F and Ahmed S Y, Fishman’s Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders, 4th Edition. 2008.
  • 24.
    Bronchiectasis: Summary Abnormalirreversibly dilated and often thick-walled bronchi Pathogenesis related to one or more defects of mucociliary clearance, cellular and immunity defense mechanism or presence of associated conditions “The vicious cycle” and P aeruginosa contributes progression and severity of disease Imaging greatly helps in diagnosis: Tram line, honeycombing, cystic, signet ring sign Additional test may be required in specific clinical settings Microbiology of the diseased airway may aid proper antimicrobial therapy
  • 25.