Abstract
Introduction
The currently used CT scoring system in bronchiectasis is the Bhalla score, which had been designed for scoring CT scans in cystic fibrosis. This however is too detailed for use in clinical practice.
Aim
The aim of this study was to compare the simplified modified Reiff score to the more detailed Bhalla score in patients with non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
Methods
93 consecutive HRCTs were assessed. Bhalla score was calculated. The modified Reiff score used (0-18) was based on the number of lobes (max 6 including lingula) and the severity of bronchial dilatation in comparison to the adjacent vessel (0=no bronchiectasis; 1= 1-2 times; 2= 2-3 times; 3= >three times). These scores were jointly carried out by consensus between a chest physician and radiologist blinded to the clinical status of the patient. Both scores were correlated with sputum microbiology (growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MRSA or enteric gram negative organisms) and FEV1 % predicted results.
Result
Median FEV1 % predicted was 75% (57.7-94.3%). 35% were colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MRSA or enteric gram-negative organisms; 43% with other potentially pathogenic microorganisms and 23% with mixed normal flora.
Modified Reiff Score correlated well with the Bhalla score (r2= 0.9, p<0.001)
Conclusion
Simplified modified Reiff score correlate well with the more complicated Bhalla score and will be easier for clinicians to use in clinical practice.
- © 2013 ERS