Relationships between pulmonary function test parameters and quantitative computed tomography measurements of emphysema in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Virginija Šileikienė,Mindaugas Matačiūnas,Marius Urbonas,Jolita Norkūnienė

doi:10.6001/actamedica.v24i4.3616

Virginija Šileikienė, Mindaugas Matačiūnas + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.6001/actamedica.v24i4.3616

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Abstract

Objective.CT is able to precisely define the pathological process in COPD. There are a number of previous articles discussing the distribution of emphysema and its connection with pulmonary function tests. However, the results obtained by the researchers are not identical.Purpose.To assess relationships between emphysema and pulmonary function test parameters in COPD patients.Materials and methods.Fifty-nine patients diagnosed to have COPD underwent chest CT examinations and pulmonary function tests.For the quantitative assessment, percentages of low attenuation volume LAV 950 HU (%) of a both lungs, the right lung, the left lung, and each lobe were obtained. Quantitative CT measurements were compared with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and total lung capacity (TLC).Results.Except for the right middle lobe and the right upper lobe, respectively, all the quantitative CT measurements showed weak to moderate negative correlations with diffusing capacity (DLco) (r = –0.35 to –0.61, p < 0.05) and weak positive correlations with TLC (r = 0.34 to 0.44, p < 0.05). Group analysis indicated that LAV–950 HU (%) values of both lungs, right lung, left lung, and each lobe, except for right middle lobe, were increased in patients with GOLD stages 3 and 4 of COPD compared to GOLD stages 1 and 2 (p < 0.05).Conclusion.CT measurements of emphysema are significantly related to pulmonary function tests results, particularly DLco.

Highlights

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common preventable and treatable disease, is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases [1]
Group analysis indicated that LAV–950 Hounsfield units (HU) (%) values of both lungs, right lung, left lung, and each lobe, except for right middle lobe, were increased in patients with GOLD stages 3 and 4 of COPD compared to GOLD stages 1 and 2 (p < 0.05)
Our study revealed that quantitative computed tomography (CT) measurements of emphysema are significantly related to the nature and severity of the impairment of the pulmonary function

Summary

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common preventable and treatable disease, is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases [1]. Spirometry is a well-established method for the diagnosis and assessment of a clinical stage of COPD. It is difficult to establish these pathologic changes with this clinical tool, and the regional function and morphological abnormalities cannot be evaluated either. Imaging examinations have shown great advantages in the assessment of regional morphologic and functional changes in COPD patients. According to the practise guidelines of GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), imaging does not play a substantial role in the diagnosis of COPD [1, 4]

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