Bronchiectasis in children: assessment by CT.

The prevalence of bronchiectasis (BR), in general, is decreasing, yet the disease can produce significant morbidity in children. In the pediatric age group the classical investigation by bronchography implies general anaesthesia, thus carrying an additional risk of complications. CT has proved highly accurate in the diagnosis of BR in adults. It is also considered a reliable modality for the diagnosis of BR in children. This conclusion was reached by analysing the radiographic and the CT findings in 40 children with the clinical suspicion of BR in 25 of whom the CT examination was positive. Nine patients of this last group had bronchography as well. There was complete correlation in the diagnosis and location between the CT and the bronchographic findings. Thus, it seems that the occurrence of this disease is still high in the pediatric population in the appropriate clinical and radiological setting. The imaging evaluation of BR should include chest radiographs, computerized tomography and, if surgery is planned, bronchography as well.