Complementary investigations in bronchiectasis in children

Abstract

The different modalities suitable for image-guided diagnosis of bronchiectasis in children are described. Plain chest radiography is still the most important imaging method of respiratory disease in children, but when it comes to ascertaining the diagnosis of bronchiectasis, high-resolution computed tomography (CT) is currently the method of choice. Ultrafast computed tomography and multislice computed tomography have increased the value of computed tomography as a diagnostic tool by reducing the need for sedation or anaesthesia. Bronchography is as a rule no longer necessary to perform on this indication alone. If modern, high-quality computed tomography is not readily available, however, bronchography may still be necessary preoperatively.