Imaging
Bronchiectasis
- Preliminary Diagnosis: Bronchiectasis
-
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
- II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of bronchiectasis.
-
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
-
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
- V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of bronchiectasis.
- VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Preliminary Diagnosis: Bronchiectasis
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
Chest radiograph: PA and lateral views
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of bronchiectasis.
Advantages
Relatively inexpensive and fast imaging modality
Highly portable
Exposes the patient to minimal ionizing radiation
Disadvantages
Less sensitive and specific in locating the anatomical location and type of bronchiectasis compared to CT
Less adept in evaluating for any underlying pulmonary process or secondary complications compared to CT
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
No specific contraindications to plain radiography exist.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
High-resolution CT of the chest without contrast
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of bronchiectasis.
High-resolution CT of the chest without contrast
Advantages
Highly specific and sensitive in diagnosing bronchiectasis, detailing the anatomic location, and type of bronchiectasis
Better adept on detailing any underlying or complicating pulmonary process
Disadvantages
Exposes the patients to ionizing radiation
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
High-resolution CT of the chest without contrast
May be contraindicated in pregnant patients
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