Elementary Lesions

Traction bronchiectasis/ bronchiolectasis

Characteristics

Abnormal and irregular dilation of the bronchi/ bronchioles due to respiratory tract inflammation (sometimes reversible) or pulmonary fibrosis
On a high-resolution CT scan, it appears as an increase in the calibre of the distal respiratory tract (no reduction in the diameter peripherally, visibility in the subpleural lung at least 20 mm from the pleura)
On the scan, they present as tubular or cystic air spaces depending on the orientation of the bronchi in the crosssection
Differentiating between traction bronchiectasis and honeycomb is sometimes difficult on axial cross-sections. Sagittal or coronal cross-sections and the minIP are useful

Diagnostic Orientation

Traction bronchiectasis are associated with signs of fibrosis

1. Traction bronchiectasis

72-year-old man with usual interstitial pneumonia. HRCT shows diffuse reticulations, and traction bronchiectasis and bronchiolectasis.

2. Traction bronchiectasis

42-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis and non specific interstitial pneumonia. HRCT shows extensive ground-glass opacities containing traction bronchiectasis and bronchiolectasis.

3. Traction bronchiectasis

Some patient minIP reformation 6-mm thick better demonstrates ectatic bronchioles within the ground-glass opacities.