Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Score and Pulmonary Function Tests in Determining Severity of Bronchiectasis

Objective: To determine the severity score of bronchiectasis using MDCT and pulmonary function tests and to relate the extent of MDCT score to pulmonary function tests. Patients and Methods: A prospective study was performed in Assuit University Hospitals from 2011 to 2013 and it included 50 patients underwent MDCT examination and pulmonary function. Two radiologists interpreted MDCT images according to recommendations of the Nomenclature Committee of the Fleischner Society and Modified Bhalla CT Scoring System. Results: The Global MDCT scores for all types of bronchiectasis patients were statistically significantly negative correlated with the values of FEV 1 % ( r=0.94 and p=0.04). There was significant difference in the degree or extent of bronchiectasis in both types. Emphysema was reported in 50% (n=25) of the patients with significant negative correlation found among those have emphysema related to FEV1% (r=–0.96 and p=0.000) and FVC% (r=–0.56 and p=0.003) and global MDCT score (p<0.001). Conclusion: MDCT scores have significant relation to pulmonary function tests and detect morphological changes of bronchiectasis.