Introduction

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with chronic respiratory infections and reported as a cause of bronchiectasis (Bx).

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of Bx in patients with CLL and identify clinical correlates and risk factors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of CLL patients without prior diagnosis of Bx. All thoracic CT were analyzed, subjects were categorized to those with or without Bx. Risk factors for Bx were assessed and compared between groups, as well as outcomes of mortality and morbidity. 

Results

From 203 CLL patients, 36.5% were females, age at CLL diagnosis was 65.5. Median follow-up was 8.3 years. Bx was diagnosed in 88/203 subjects (43.3%).

Risk factors for Bx included number of treatment lines for CLL, therapy with the monoclonal antibodies venetoclax or rituximab, neutropenia and low levels of IgG and IgA. CLL patients with Bx suffered more unplanned hospital admission, respiratory exacerbations, pneumonia events, antibiotic courses, and resistant bacteria in respiratory cultures, especially pseudomonas. Overall mortality was similar between subjects with or without Bx.

Conclusions

Bx is common among CLL patients, is associated with specific immunological derangements and has significant clinical consequences.