PMID: 24354250Dec 21, 2013Paper

Bronchiectasis: diagnostic workup

Revue médicale suisse
V Espinosa, T Rochat

Abstract

Bronchiectasis is a condition defined by permanent dilation of the bronchi, either idiopathic or associated with other disease states. Diagnostic workup for bronchiectasis is essential in determining management and treatment. For diffuse bronchiectasis, we propose a workup plan that includes testing for humoral immunodeficiency by measuring serum IgG and anti-pneumococcal antibodies, looking for primary ciliary dyskinesia by exhaled nasal NO and cytologic brush biopsy of the nasal mucosa, looking for cystic fibrosis by chloride sweat testing and genotyping, evaluation for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and testing for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Workup studies should be guided by the patient's history and clinical context.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is the name given to a wide variety of diseases caused by infection by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Aspergillosis occurs in chronic or acute forms which are clinically very distinct. Most cases of acute aspergillosis occur in patients with severely compromised immune systems. Chronic colonization or infection can cause complications in people with underlying respiratory illnesses. Discover the latest research on aspergillosis here.

Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is a prevalent and costly infection that is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages. Here is the latest research.

Aspergillosis (ASM)

Aspergillosis is the name given to a wide variety of diseases caused by infection by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Aspergillosis occurs in chronic or acute forms which are clinically very distinct. Most cases of acute aspergillosis occur in patients with severely compromised immune systems. Chronic colonization or infection can cause complications in people with underlying respiratory illnesses. Discover the latest research on aspergillosis here.

Bacterial Pneumonia (ASM)

Bacterial pneumonia is a prevalent and costly infection that is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages. Here is the latest research.