J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Aug;31(2):273-277.

Radiologic Findings of Bronchiectasis: Tuberculous versus Non-Tuberculous

• Im JG
• Han MC
• Yeon KM
• Ahn JM
• Yoon YK

Abstract

PURPOSE
To describe the radiological differences between tuberculous(TBB) and non-tuberculous bronchiectasis(NTBB).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Chest radiographs(n=62), bronchograms(n=18), and CT scans(n=52) of 37 patients with TBB and 25 patients with NTBB were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnostic basis for TBB were positive sputum AFB with or without history of anti-tuberculous chemotherapy(n=35), and radiological findings of pulmonary tuberculosis (n=2). Four of NTBB had a history of severe respiratory tract infection in childhood.
RESULTS
Air-fluid levels on chest radiographs were seen in 2% of TBB, and 20% of NTBB. On bronchograms, all patients with TBB had combined focal bronchostenosis, whereas patients with NTBB had tubular(50%), cystic(17%), or mixed(33%) pattern of dilatation without stenosis. On CT scans, focal emphysema was seen in 86% of the patients with TBB, and 38% of the patients with NTBB. Peribronchiolar infiltration were seen in 78% and 44% of patients with TBB and NTBB, retrospectively.
CONCLUSION
Basic radiological difference between TBB and NTBB was that the former had coexistent sten.

MeSH Terms

Bronchiectasis*
Constriction, Pathologic
Dilatation
Humans
Pulmonary Emphysema
Radiography, Thoracic
Respiratory Tract Infections
Retrospective Studies
Sputum
Thorax
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary