Abstract
PURPOSE of this study was to determine the prevalence of bronchiectasis in patients suffering from alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and to compare its extent with the frequency of infections. High-resolution CT examinations (HRCT) of 23 patients with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency were retrospectively assessed for extent, severity and localisation of bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening and extent of emphysema. Chest radiographs and clinical records were available for correlation. HRCT scans showed bronchiectasis in 14 of 23 patients, bronchial wall thickening in 3/14, and panlobular emphysema in 23/23. Chest radiographs showed bronchiectasis in 4/23 patients. Only two of 9 patients without bronchiectasis had a history of infections; all 8 patients with multiple bronchiectasis had a history of recurrent infections. Bronchiectasis is a common finding in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, and is associated with recurrent infections. HRCT is superior to chest radiography as an indicator for the risk of infection in these patients.
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