Cystic fibrosis: a comparison of computed tomography and plain chest radiographs

In patients with cystic fibrosis, plain chest radiographs may suggest the presence of bronchiectasis, bronchoceles, hilar adenopathy, or pulmonary arterial hypertension. We compared computed tomography (CT) with conventional chest radiography in 12 patients. CT clearly reveals the cause of increased linear markings, nodular lesions, and enlarged hila as seen on plain chest radiographs. It showed that nine patients had hilar adenopathy, five had enlarged pulmonary arteries, and 11 had bronchiectasis. Bronchoceles, a finding that may influence therapy, were seen on seven CT scans but on only four of the plain films.