Reversible bronchial dilatation in adults

Bronchiectasis is characterized by the destruction of bronchial wall and persistent irreversible bronchiectasis due to respiratory infection and bronchial obstruction. Reversible bronchiectasis is rarely reported in adults. The study aims to evaluate dynamic changes in chest computed tomography (CT) findings and relevant factors affecting improvement or reversal of bronchiectasis. A total of 239 patients with bronchiectasis admitted to our hospital from January 2009 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. 23 patients (group A) with bronchiectasis reversion or improvement confirmed by chest CT were matched with patients in group B according to gender and age (difference <5 years). 23 patients (group B) with bronchiectasis progression or no obvious improvement confirmed by chest CT were selected from the remaining patients. The clinical features and imaging findings of the two groups were compared. The duration of disease in group A was less than that in group B, and the stable period was longer (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in other clinical features between the two groups. In contrast to the traditional concept of "Bronchiectasis", our results suggested that some adult bronchiectasis can be improved and completely radiologically reversed.