A 30-year-old non-smoker woman presents with chronic productive cough, recurrent hemoptysis, and copious purulent sputum for years. HRCT shows cylindrical bronchiectasis in the lower lobes with signet-ring sign. She had severe measles pneumonia at age 4. What is the most likely underlying etiology?
- A Post-infectious bronchial damage ✓
- B Cystic fibrosis
- C Primary ciliary dyskinesia
- D Common variable immunodeficiency
Correct answer: A. Post-infectious bronchial damage
Explanation
Post-infectious bronchial damage from childhood measles or pertussis pneumonia is the most common cause of bronchiectasis worldwide, especially in developing countries. Cystic fibrosis typically shows upper lobe predominance and presents earlier. Primary ciliary dyskinesia often shows situs inversus and upper lobe involvement.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.