Bronchogenic Carcinoma Causing Non‐Terminal Saccular Bronchiectasis

Summary: Non‐terminal saccular bronchiectasis was demonstrated by bronchograms during the investigation of two patients suspected of having carcinoma of the lung. Although this form of bronchiectasis has been described in allergic broncho‐pulmonary aspergillosis, no report of its occurrence with carcinoma of the bronchus can be found in the literature. It is suggested that this kind of bronchiectasis is a distinct entity and that the classification of bronchiectasis should include two saccular types, terminal and non‐terminal. In non‐terminal saccular bronchiectasis, the saccules are centrally located and are in continuity with unobliterated segmental bronchi differing from the more usual form of saccular bronchiectasis in which the saccules are situated terminally. Malignancy should be excluded if non‐terminal saccular bronchiectasis is found. It is considered that intraluminal growth of the malignancy followed by sloughing produce the saccules.