Correlation between radiological scores and respiratory function in patients with bronchiectasis

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Several CT scan scoring systems such as Reiff score and Bhalla score have been established to assess the severity of bronchiectasis and to facilitate the follow-up of patients. <b>Aim:</b> Assess the associations between the severity of bronchiectasis assessed by radiological scores and the respiratory function. <b>Methods:</b> Retrospective study conducted on the records of patients with bronchiectasis confirmed by high-resolution thoracic CT scan, from 2016 to 2021 in pulmonary department of Mongi Slim La Marsa Hospital. Bronchiectasis associated to fibrosis or rheumatic pathology that can affect the thoracic joints were excluded. Patients with pulmonology resection or bronchiectasis on endobronchial obstacle were also excluded. The severity of bronchiectasis was assessed by radiological scores: Reiff and Bhalla scores. <b>Results:</b> A total of 75 patients was enrolled (mean age= 58±15 years; gender ratio F/M= 1.14). The mean value of Bhalla score was 12.2 points and that of Reiff score was 6.2 points. In percentage relative to predicted values, the mean value of the forced vital capacity (FVC) was 64±21%, that of forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV1) was 58% and that of the ratio of FEV1 and FVC was 69,6%. Bhalla and Reiff scores were negatively associated with FEV1 (r=-0,592; p&lt;0,001 and r=-0,497; p&lt;0,001 respectively); with FVC (r=-0,496; p&lt;0,001 and r=-0,256; p=0,027 respectively) and with the ratio of FEV1 and FVC (r=-0,513; p&lt;0,001 and r=-0,433; p&lt;0,001 respectively). <b>Conclusions:</b> Bhalla and Reiff scores are useful in the assessment of the severity of bronchiectasis and in prediction of its impact on respiratory function.