Regression of bilateral bronchiectasis with inhaled steroid therapy

Bronchiectasis is defined as pathological and permanent dilatation of the bronchial tree. Affected patients suffer from chronic sputum production and usually slowly progressive airway destruction as a result of continued airway infection and inflammation. Regression of bilateral bronchiectasis has never been reported in the English literature. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with longstanding progressive idiopathic bilateral bronchiectasis whose respiratory symptoms, including sputum, rapidly disappeared after commencement of inhaled budesonide. Repeat computed tomography assessment 40 months after commencement of inhaled steroid therapy, showed partial regression of bronchial dilation and resolution of small airways sepsis. In the absence of other possible explanations for the partial resolution of the bronchiectasis, the present case suggests a possible benefit of inhaled steroid therapy in bronchiectasis.