pathological features
Last reviewed 01/2018
There is a great variation in the severity and extent of bronchiectasis with different gross anatomical appearances - cylindrical, saccular, varicose - different morphology with the same clinical outcome.
The mucosal surface is abnormal with loss of ciliated epithelium, squamous metaplasia and infiltration by large numbers of inflammatory cells.
During the infective exacerbations, there is sloughing, ulceration and abscess formation.
The neighbouring lung is reduced in volume, has patchy scarring and consolidation.
Distal lung may, in severe cases, become replaced by fibrous tissue.