Bronchitis CT

Bronchitis Main page
Patient Information
Overview
Causes
Classification Acute bronchitis Chronic bronchitis
Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Overview

CT scan is not required for the diagnosis of bronchitis. It is recommended when a change in symptoms suggests a complication, such as pneumonia, pneumothorax, an alternate diagnosis (e.g. thromboembolic disease), or when lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation is needed.

• Hyperinflation is the usual finding on chest CT scan.
• CT is useful in excluding other underlying pulmonary disease and in preoperative assessment.