Imaging in bronchiectasis

Zuhanis Abdul Hamid
Tawau Hospital, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by irreversible dilatation of the bronchi, often resulting from recurrent infections, impaired mucociliary clearance, or underlying systemic diseases. Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of bronchiectasis. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the gold standard for detecting morphological changes, including bronchial dilatation, wall thickening, lack of tapering, and associated findings such as mucus plugging and tree-in-bud opacities. Imaging also assists in identifying underlying etiologies, assessing disease extent, monitoring progression, and guiding therapeutic decisions. This review highlights the radiologic features of bronchiectasis, compares imaging modalities, and discusses the role of imaging in differentiating between various causes and mimics of the disease. Understanding the imaging spectrum is essential for accurate diagnosis and optimal clinical management.