The Etiological Screening of Bronchiectasis
Gloria Leonardi 1, Francesco Amati 2, Stefano Aliberti 2, Andrea Gramegna
1 Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan; Fondazione IRCCS Ca´ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Respiratory Disease and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center; Milan, Italy; 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University; Respiratory Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano. Milan, Italy
*Correspondence: Andrea Gramegna, Email not available
Abstract
Bronchiectasis was once considered to be the manifestation of other diseases, but this topic is gaining growing interest due to its increase in incidence and prevalence. Bronchiectasis is characterized by a combination of clinical and radiological features, but we still lack a full understanding of their pathophysiological mechanisms. They are often present in patients affected by cystic fibrosis and therefore the exclusion of this disease is of paramount importance in patients affected by bronchiectasis. The most recent guidelines, mostly based on expert opinions, state that all individuals with bronchiectasis should undergo a minimum bundle of tests which should be tailored to each patient. The determination of the etiology of bronchiectasis can guide treatment and influence prognosis. The next step in this field of research is the standardization of etiological screening of bronchiectasis that would allow optimal patient management and the optimization of the available resources.
