Comparison of High-Resolution Computed Tomography Patterns in Adult with Cystic Fibrosis and Non- Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in a South Asian Country Bangladesh: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundBronchiectasis in adults often goes undiagnosed following the routine assessment. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is usually diagnosed during childhood, but some cases are identified in adulthood when disease is mild. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest may offer structural information that can indicate CF as an underlying etiology. ObjectiveTo compare the HRCT features of adult patients with CF and non-CF bronchiectasis and to determine the radiologic features that may be suggestive of CF. MethodsThis retrospective, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out in Bangladesh Medical University after IRB clearance. Total 130 adults (12 with CF and 118 with non-CF bronchiectasis) of both sexes, whose bronchiectasis was confirmed by chest HRCT were included. Imaging findings were assessed based on Reid morphological classification, anatomical distribution and extent of spread within the lungs, and their association was tested using chi-square test with statistical significance of p<0.05. ResultsCystic bronchiectasis was more common in CF than non-CF patients (83.3% vs 29.7; p<0.001). Mixed central-peripheral extension had been found a considerable associated with CF (66.7% vs. 42.4; p=0.034). There was no statistically significant difference in right lung lobar distribution (p=0.540) but combined upper and lower lobe involvement on the left side was more common in CF patients (54.5%) than non-CF patients (21.3) (p=0.054). ConclusionAdult CF had unique chest HRCT imaging characteristics when compared to non-CF bronchiectasis, especially cystic morphology and mixed extension. Identification of such features could help physician in the early diagnosis and selection of treatment strategy.