Modified Reiff Score for Bronchiectasis CT Severity
Evaluates the extent of bronchiectasis through site, type and extent on CT imagistic.
Refer to the text below the score for more information on its interpretation and use in studies.
Since its introduction, the modified Reiff score has been used in several studies to assess the radiological severity of bronchiectasis through the number of lobes involved (with the lingula considered to be a separate lobe) and the degree of dilatation.
The modified Reiff score originates from a study by Reiff et al. investigating whether the pattern and distribution of bronchiectasis from CT scans can be used to discriminate between bronchiectasis idiopathic and specific causes.
The maximum score is 18 and the result may be interpreted as follows:
| Modified Reiff Score | Bronchiectasis severity |
| 1 - 6 points | Mild bronchiectasis |
| 7 - 12 points | Moderate bronchiectasis |
| 13 - 18 points | Severe bronchiectasis |
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Modified Reiff Score explained
High resolution CT scan of the thorax (HRCT) is the imaging gold standard for diagnosing bronchiectasis and evaluating the extent, as well as it’s progress in cystic and non-cystic fibrosis.
The modified Reiff score assesses the radiological severity of bronchiectasis through the number of lobes involved (with the lingula considered to be a separate lobe) and the degree of dilatation:
- No bronchiectasis (0 points)
- Tubular (1 point)
- Varicose (2 points)
- Cystic (3 points)
The maximum score is 18, where the higher the score the greater the degree of pulmonary affectation. Scores can be interpreted as follows:
| Modified Reiff Score | Bronchiectasis severity |
| 1 - 6 points | Mild bronchiectasis |
| 7 - 12 points | Moderate bronchiectasis |
| 13 - 18 points | Severe bronchiectasis |
The modified Reiff score has been used in numerous studies to evaluate bronchial dilatation on a lobar basis.
About the original study
The modified Reiff score originates from a 1995 study by Reiff et al. investigating whether the pattern and distribution of bronchiectasis from CT scans can be used to discriminate between bronchiectasis idiopathic and specific causes.
The extent, site, type and lobar distribution and the severity of the bronchial dilatation and bronchial wall thickening were scored via this new scoring system.
References
Original reference
Reiff DB, Wells AU, Carr DH, Cole PJ, Hansell DM. CT findings in bronchiectasis: limited value in distinguishing between idiopathic and specific types. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1995; 165(2):261-7.
Other references
Pasteur MC, Helliwell SM, Houghton SJ, Webb SC, Foweraker JE, Coulden RA, Flower CD, Bilton D, Keogan MT. An investigation into causative factors in patients with bronchiectasis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2000; 162(4 Pt 1):1277-84.
Specialty: Pulmonology
System: Respiratory
Objective: Stratification
Type: Score
No. Of Items: 6
Year Of Study: 1995
Article By: Denise Nedea
Published On: March 21, 2024
Last Checked: March 21, 2024
Next Review: March 21, 2029