Is "tree in bud " nodularity serious?

My understanding is that “tree in bud”describes the small damaged bronchial airways that indicate bronchiectasis. (They may indicate other things but I don’t know since I am not a medical expert.) My pulmonologist pointed this out to me on my CT scans when I was first diagnosed with bronchiectasis. You must have had a knowledgeable radiologist that read your CT. My report just came back from the radiologist saying lesions. The pulmonologist referred to these “lesions “ as “tree in bud”.

@kiwi
Thank you for your response.

That is interesting because my CT also mentioned tree in bud but no one has mentioned that to me. Just concerned about infection. Now I know to address this with the new pulmonologist on the 26th.
Thank you for mentioning this. I would not have known to ask about it.

and @leilam Just wanted to repeat, for everyone, that not every radiologist is an expert in lung diseases and/or conditions. And most do not have access to your complete medical record.
The language the radiologist uses to report to the ordering physician is their medical "dialect" for lack of a better term. The radiologist says "tree in bud", "ground glass opacities", "fibrotic changes", etc and what areas are infected. If they are experienced, and certain features jump out at them, they may add "characteristic of NTM" or "indicative of bronchiectasis".
The pulmonologist takes both the CT images and the description, along with their knowledge of your condition, and figures out a diagnosis. If the conclusion is still uncertain, they may consult with other professionals or order additional tests.

That is why it is important to take a step back and have a conversation with your doc after seeing the reports on your patient portal. Jumping to "Dr Google" can lead to extra anxiety. Maybe just a phone call can tell you if the doc feels it is necessary to move forward sooner.
Sue

@sueinmn
Thank you,Sue. I got a message from my Pulmonologist today to increase my air clearance to 3-4 times a day for it appears I have an exacerbation of bronchiectasis. No antibiotics at the present time.

Sue, my latest CT stated that "ground glass opacities", but mild improvement. Would GGO goes away on its own? Radiologist stated that chronic infections. I have yet to hear from my pulmo.

Yes, "ground glass opacities" are often seen during and after bouts of pneumonia and other lung illnesses. Sometimes they disappear as the infection subsides, other times it takes a while. Or if the infection or illness becomes chronic the GGO may stay.
When I had MAC and Pseudomonas at the same time, my lungs were full of GGO plus nodules, possible cavities... ow 5 years later, I still have Bronchiectasis, a few small nodules and some scar tissue. No GGO on the last CT 9 months ago.
So all of these signs can come and go.
Sue

This is a good discussion. I have all these CT abnormalities and my new pulmonologist explained their significance. Dx is bronchiectasis and probable MAC relapse. Waiting for cultures. Smear was positive.

Sue what are the symptoms of bronchiectasis? I'm going to NJH at end of June. I don't have any symptoms.....but I nebulize 7% saline twice a day. I thought I remember my pulmonary locally say I don't have Bronchiectasis......just MAI/ I guess NJH will get to the facts. Thanks. Bon

Here is a basic guide.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/bronchiectasis

MAC/MAI/NTM (all similar) can come with or without bronchiectasis. It can also come with asthma, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, and some auto-immune deficiency disorders.
Sue