Abstract
Rationale and ObjectivesCystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have revolutionised the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Chest computed tomography (CT) is key in the diagnosis and follow-up of anatomical damage to the lungs. Our study aimed to evaluate changes on lung CT scans of patients with CF after receiving elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) therapy for one year. Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, observational, single-centre study between 2018 and 2021 on adult patients with CF administered ETI. We reviewed chest CT scans before and at least one year after starting ETI. The Brody-II score (BSII) was measured by two experienced radiologists who were blinded to the treatment. Paranasal sinus CT scans and clinical and functional data were also compared. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare differences, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and total BSII. ResultsIn the period, 63 patients were given ETI, and 12 met the criteria for analysis. The inter-observer reproducibility of BSII was satisfactory (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.57–0.91). The BSII decreased after one year of treatment (−18 ± 16, p = 0.002) due to lower mucous plugging (−7 ± 4, p < 0.001) and peribronchial thickening (−9 ± 10, p = 0.002) scores. Bronchial, parenchymal, and hyperinflation scores were unchanged. Clinical and functional parameters were significantly improved, except for total lung capacity. The correlation between ΔFEV1 and Δtotal BSII was strong (r = 0.88, p < 0.001). The paranasal sinus CT score significantly improved with ETI treatment. ConclusionsETI decreased pulmonary and sinus morphological abnormalities after one year of treatment.
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