peribronchial

Peribronchial refers to tissues surrounding a bronchus, including connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatics, nerves, and, in larger airways, submucosal glands; the peribronchial region forms part of the lung interstitium and extends along the bronchial tree as it branches from the trachea.

In chest imaging, peribronchial thickening or cuffing denotes thickening of the peribronchial interstitium due to inflammation, edema, or mucus, most easily seen on radiographs and computed tomography.

Clinically, peribronchial inflammation contributes to airway hyperreactivity in asthma and chronic bronchitis, and can be observed in bronchiolitis in children. Peribronchial thickening may be more prominent in pediatric viral illness or in chronic inflammatory conditions, and can persist with ongoing disease.

The term derives from peri- meaning around, and bronchial from bronchus. It is used in anatomy, radiology, and pathology to describe tissue or processes surrounding bronchi.