The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Editorial

The Role of CT Scan in Reversible Airflow Obstruction

Authors: Anthony O’Regan, MD, FRCPI

Abstract

Computed tomography has had a dramatic impact on the diagnosis and management of respiratory disease.1 Traditionally used to characterize diffuse parenchymal lung disease, CT scaning also provides insights into airway diseases.1–5 In particular, the diagnostic sensitivity of high resolution CT scanning for bronchiectasis has established it as the gold standard for this disease.2 Using this modality, bronchiectasis is far more common than previously recognized and can be present with minimal or absent symptoms of lung disease.2,4 However, the clinical significance of asymptomatic bronchiectasis is not clear.

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