The Pathogenesis of Bronchiectasis

Abstract

SINCE Laennec¹ first described and named bronchiectasis its etiology and mode of development have been controversial issues. Numerous theories have been advanced, each of which is backed by voluminous evidence, but no one of which satisfactorily explains all types or features of the disease. Either the underlying cause remains undiscovered or multiple factors exist that predispose to or result in dilatation of portions of the bronchial tree. I propose, in the short time at my disposal, to review briefly the more significant of these possible factors and to compare their relative importance and interrelation.Four important clinical and anatomic features . . .