Prevalence and burden of bronchiectasis in a lung cancer screening program

Introduction: The prevalence of bronchiectasis is unknown. They may cause symptoms, loss of lung function and quality of life and mortality. The increasing use of computed tomography has an impact on the diagnosis. The aim of this study is to study the prevalence of bronchiectasis in subjects participating in a lung cancer screening program and to evaluate its impact in terms of severity and pulmonary function. Material and Methods: We studied 3028 smokers or former smokers participating in the I-ELCAP (International Early Lung Cancer Action Program) of the Clinica Universidad de Navarra between 2000 and 2012. Subjects with bronchiectasis were identified with double reading and scored by the Bhalla scale. Available spirometries were studied. Results: We identified 354 patients with bronchiectasis (11.7%), predominantly males (73%), with a mean age of 61±9 years and 40±22 packs-year. 45% of patients had bilateral disease. 55% of the patients with bronchiectasis had flow limitation, mostly mild. The median Bhalla score was 7 points (IQR 5.3), with mild involvement in 87% of the cases. Patients with moderate bronchiectasis compared to mild were older (67.4 vs.59.9 years, p Conclusions: The prevalence of bronchiectasis in smokers subjected to a screening program for lung cancer is high (11.7%). Severity of bronchiectasis is significantly associated with age, higher tobacco consumption, airflow limitation, and emphysema.