Abnormal bronchus morphology Abnormal pulmonary thoracic imaging finding Bronchocele 2021-02-24T13:34:13Z A bronchocele is bronchial dilatation due to retained secretions (mucoid impaction) usually caused by proximal obstruction, either congenital (eg, bronchial atresia) or acquired (eg, obstructing cancer). A bronchocele is a tubular or branching Y-or V-shaped structure that may resemble a gloved finger. The CT attenuation of the mucus is generally that of soft tissue but may be modified by its composition (eg, high-attenuation material in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis). In the case of bronchial atresia, the surrounding lung may be of decreased attenuation because of reduced ventilation and, thus, perfusion. See Figure 13 of Hansell DM, et al., Fleischner Society: glossary of terms for thoracic imaging. Radiology. 2008;246:697-722.