Bronchiectasis classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hamid Qazi, MD, BSc [2], Saarah T. Alkhairy, M.D.

Overview

Bronchiectasis may be classified according to its severity into 3 sub types: tubular/fusiform, varicose, and saccular. Bronchiectasis may also be classified according to its location into 2 sub types: localized and generalized.

Classification

Based on Severity

Based on severity, bronchiectasis may be classified as follows:

Type	Features
Tubular or fusiform (cylindrical) bronchiectasis (follicular bronchiectasis)	Most common type. It is characterized by development of mildly inflamed bronchi that fail to taper distally^[1]^[2]
Varicose bronchiectasis	The bronchial walls appear beaded because areas of dilation are mixed with areas of constriction
Saccular (cystic) bronchiectasis	These are characterized by severe, irreversible ballooning of the bronchi peripherally, with or without air-fluid levels

Based on Location

Based on localization, bronchiectasis may be classified as follows:

Location	Features
Localized	Confined to one lobe only
Generalized	Involves more than one lobe

References

↑ Mysliwiec, V, Pina, JS (1999). “Bronchiectasis: the ‘other’ obstructive lung disease”. POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE. 106 (1): 252–63.
↑ O’Donnell, Anne E. (2008). “Bronchiectasis”. Chest. 134 (4): 815–823. doi:10.1378/chest.08-0776. ISSN 0012-3692.

Template:WikiDoc Sources

[1] Mysliwiec, V, Pina, JS (1999). “Bronchiectasis: the ‘other’ obstructive lung disease”. POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE. 106 (1): 252–63.

[O'Donnell2008-2] O’Donnell, Anne E. (2008). “Bronchiectasis”. Chest. 134 (4): 815–823. doi:10.1378/chest.08-0776. ISSN 0012-3692.

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