Classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on chest radiography

Abstract

Objective Quantitative analysis of chest radiographs of patients with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) determining if the data obtained from such radiographic images could classify such individuals according to the presence or absence of disease. Materials and Methods For such a purpose, three groups of chest radiographic images were utilized, namely: group 1, including 25 individuals with COPD; group 2, including 27 individuals without COPD; and group 3 (utilized for the reclassification /validation of the analysis), including 15 individuals with COPD. The COPD classification was based on spirometry. The variables normalized by retrosternal height were the following: pulmonary width (LARGP); levels of right (ALBDIR) and left (ALBESQ) diaphragmatic eventration; costophrenic angle (ANGCF); and right (DISDIR) and left (DISESQ) intercostal distances. Results As the radiographic images of patients with and without COPD were compared, statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups on the variables related to the diaphragm. In the COPD reclassification the following variables presented the highest indices of correct classification: ANGCF (80%), ALBDIR (73.3%), ALBESQ (86.7%). Conclusion The radiographic assessment of the chest demonstrated that the variables related to the diaphragm allow a better differentiation between individuals with and without COPD.