Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency: evaluation of bronchiectasis with CT.
OBJECTIVE
To assess bronchiectasis depicted with computed tomography (CT) in patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency and to examine associated clinical correlates.


METHODS
CT scans in 14 patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency were evaluated by two thoracic radiologists for the presence and extent of bronchiectasis and emphysema. The findings were correlated with numeric infection scores on the basis of symptoms of sputum production and respiratory infection and with a history of conditions that may predispose to development of bronchiectasis.


RESULTS
Six (43%) of 14 patients had CT evidence of bronchiectasis. Patients with bronchiectasis had significantly higher infection scores than did patients without bronchiectasis (P < .005). Two patients had diffuse cystic bronchiectasis, and neither reported a history of illness that may have predisposed them to this condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Bronchiectasis may be more common in patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency than has been previously recognized. The diagnosis of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency should be considered in patients with emphysema and diffuse cystic bronchiectasis.
King
M A
MA
Department of Radiology, Ohio State University Hospitals, Columbus 43210, USA.
Stone
J A
JA
Diaz
P T
PT
Mueller
C F
CF
Becker
W J
WJ
Gadek
J E
JE
D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015984:Causality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D019896:alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency