Pulmonary Involvement In Patients Research Articles

Spontaneous Pneumothoraces in Patients with Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome.

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a common complication of Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD). The optimal approach to treatment and prevention of BHD-associated spontaneous pneumothorax, and to advising patients with BHD regarding risk of pneumothorax associated with air travel, is not well established. Patients with BHD were recruited from the Rare Lung Diseases Clinic Network and the BHD Foundation and surveyed about disease manifestations and air travel experiences. A total of 104 patients completed the survey. The average age at diagnosis was 47 years, with an average delay from first symptoms of 13 years. Pulmonary cysts were the most frequent phenotypic manifestation of BHD, present in 85% of patients. Spontaneous pneumothorax was the presenting manifestation that led to the diagnosis of BHD in 65% of patients, typically after the second episode (mean, 2.4 episodes). Seventy-nine (76%) of 104 patients had at least one spontaneous pneumothorax during their lifetime, and 82% had multiple pneumothoraces. Among patients with multiple pneumothoraces, 73% had an ipsilateral recurrence, and 48% had a subsequent contralateral spontaneous pneumothorax following a sentinel event. The mean ages at first and second pneumothoraces were 36.5 years (range, 14-63 yr) and 37 years (range, 20-55 yr), respectively. The average number of spontaneous pneumothoraces experienced by patients with a sentinel pneumothorax was 3.6. Pleurodesis was generally performed after the second (mean, 2.4) ipsilateral pneumothorax and reduced the ipsilateral recurrence rate by half. A total of 11 episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax occurred among eight patients either during or within the 24-hour period following air travel, consistent with an air travel-related pneumothorax rate of 8% per patient and 0.12% per flight. Prior pleurodesis reduced the occurrence of a subsequent flight-related pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumothorax is an important, recurrent manifestation of pulmonary involvement in patients with BHD, and pleurodesis should be considered following the initial pneumothorax to reduce the risk of recurrent episodes. In general, in patients with BHD, pneumothorax occurs in about 1-2 per 1,000 flights, and the risk is lower among patients with a history of prior pleurodesis.

High resolution computed tomography in the evaluation of interstitial lung diseases: Imaging perspective revisited with review of literature

Aims and Objectives: The study was designed with a broad objective of studying the imaging findings of the common interstitial lung diseases and to assess the severity of the disease and determine the reversibility capability of the pulmonary parenchymal damage in ILD’s. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, observational study in which we evaluated 50 patients suspected of having interstitial lung diseases based on radiographic or clinical findings, by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) over a period of one year. Results: Out of the 50 patients, majority of them had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n=16) followed by interstitial pulmonary involvement in patients of rheumatoid arthritis (n=13), scleroderma (n=10) and systemic lupus erythematosis (n=9). The less common ILD’s included were Occupational lung disease (n=1) and Mycosis fungoides (n=1). Conclusion: HRCT of the lung in cases of the suspected interstitial lung diseases forms an invaluable tool for accurate and early identification and in conjunction with the clinical findings can obviate the need of lung biopsy in diagnosis of ILD’s.

Effectiveness of Thoracic Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of the Severity of Pulmonary Involvement in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of thoracic ultrasonography (USG) in a single session in the evaluation of the severity of pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis. A total of 48 consecutive systemic sclerosis patients (2 males, 46 females; mean age 50.8±11.9 years; range 21 to 76 years) followed-up in our center were included. A thoracic USG using a linear probe was performed for each patient to evaluate the parenchymal involvement by two pulmonary disease specialists. The number of B-lines (B-lines described USG sign of interstitial lung fibrosis) was recorded. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was measured by means of using a phase probe to evaluate pulmonary hypertension in the same sequence. The same day, pulmonary function tests were conducted. Warrick score was calculated according high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images which were evaluated independently from each other by a radiologist and a pulmonary disease specialist. Medsger severity scale was calculated for each patient according to the results of HRCT findings, pulmonary function test, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure. The number of B-lines detected on thoracic USG was correlated with the Warrick score (r=0.89; p=0.0001) and Medsger disease scale (r=0.55; p=0.0001) and negatively correlated with diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (r= -0.56; p=0.0001) and forced vital capacity (r= -0.46; p=0.001). When HRCT was accepted as the gold standard; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value, and negative predicted value for thoracic USG were 100%, 84.2%, 90.6%, and 100%, respectively. If thoracic USG was used instead of HRCT for the evaluation of Medsger scale, the results changed in only one of the 48 patients. Thoracic USG showed good correlation with HRCT findings for the evaluation of pulmonary parenchymal involvement in systemic sclerosis. Therefore, USG might be a noninvasive and useful tool for the long-term follow-up of systemic sclerosis patients after initial examination with USG and HRCT.

Treatment effect of idebenone on inspiratory function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

SummaryAssessment of dynamic inspiratory function may provide valuable information about the degree and progression of pulmonary involvement in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The aims of this study were to characterize inspiratory function and to assess the efficacy of idebenone on this pulmonary function outcome in a large and well‐characterized cohort of 10–18 year‐old DMD patients not taking glucocorticoid steroids (GCs) enrolled in the phase 3 randomized controlled DELOS trial. We evaluated the effect of idebenone on the highest flow generated during an inspiratory FVC maneuver (maximum inspiratory flow; V'I,max(FVC)) and the ratio between the largest inspiratory flow during tidal breathing (tidal inspiratory flow; V'I,max(t)) and the V'I,max(FVC). The fraction of the maximum flow that is not used during tidal breathing has been termed inspiratory flow reserve (IFR). DMD patients in both treatment groups of DELOS (idebenone, n = 31; placebo: n = 33) had comparable and abnormally low V'I,max(FVC) at baseline. During the study period, V'I,max(FVC) further declined by −0.29 L/sec in patients on placebo (95%CI: −0.51, −0.08; P = 0.008 at week 52), whereas it remained stable in patients on idebenone (change from baseline to week 52: 0.01 L/sec; 95%CI: −0.22, 0.24; P = 0.950). The between‐group difference favoring idebenone was 0.27 L/sec (P = 0.043) at week 26 and 0.30 L/sec (P = 0.061) at week 52. In addition, during the study period, IFR improved by 2.8% in patients receiving idebenone and worsened by −3.0% among patients on placebo (between‐group difference 5.8% at week 52; P = 0.040). Although the clinical interpretation of these data is currently limited due to the scarcity of routine clinical practice experience with dynamic inspiratory function outcomes in DMD, these findings from a randomized controlled study nevertheless suggest that idebenone preserved inspiratory muscle function as assessed by V'I,max(FVC) and IFR in patients with DMD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:508–515. © 2016 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Quantitative volumetric assessment of pulmonary involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for assessing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we performed a quantitative calculation of ILD severity by examining the lung volume of SSc patients. The present study was performed retrospectively on 38 patients with SSc who were referred to our clinic. Patients were divided into two groups based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT): patients with ILD and patients without ILD.The percentage of lower lobe volume (PLLV) was calculated using HRCT. In addition, we evaluated the PLLV in all patients according to age, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and spirometric findings, and assessed the relationships among these factors. PLLV of the right lung in patients with ILD was reduced when compared with patients without ILD (P=0.041). The PLLV of the right lung in patients with ILD was negatively correlated with age and forced vital capacity (FVC; P=0.01 and P=0.012, respectively). The PLLV of the right lung may decrease in SSc patients with ILD. In these patients, the PLLV may be a quantitative parameter indicating damage in the lung.

Abnormalities in lung volumes and airflow in children with newly diagnosed connective tissue disease.

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) of childhood are rare inflammatory disorders, involving various organs and tissues including respiratory system. Pulmonary involvement in patients with CTDs is uncommon but may cause functional impairment. Data on prevalence and type of lung function abnormalities in children with CTDs are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to asses pulmonary functional status in children with newly diagnosed CTD and follow the results after two years of the disease course. There were 98 children (mean age: 13 ± 3; 76 girls), treated in Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Warsaw and 80 aged-matched, healthy controls (mean age 12.7 ± 2.4; 50 girls) included into the study. Study procedures included medical history, physical examination, chest radiograph and PFT (spirometry and whole body-plethysmography). Then, the assessment of PFT was performed after 24 months. FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC and MEF50 were significantly lower in CTD as compared to control group, there was no difference in FVC and TLC. The proportion of patients with abnormal lung function was significantly higher in the study group, 41 (42%) vs 9 (11%). 24-months observation didn't reveal progression in lung function impairment. Lung function impairment is relatively common in children with CTDs. Although restrictive ventilatory pattern is considered typical feature of lung involvement in CTDs, airflow limitation could also be an initial abnormality.

The Effect of Oxidative Stress on Pulmonary Involvement in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress and pulmonary involvement and its severity in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Materials and Methods: 34 patients (30 female, 4 male) and 27 healthy volunteers (21 female, 6 male) were included into the study. All patients fullfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for the diagnosis of SSc. Oxidant-antioxidant enzymes malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), xanthine oxidase (XO), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme activities were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Results: Plasma ADA levels was significantly higher in patients than the control group. On contrary, XO levels of erythroctes were lower. Of 34 patients, 11 had no pulmonary involvement, 14 had mild to moderate and 9 had severe-end stage pulmonary involvement. In patients with pulmonary involvement, plasma XO level was statistically significantly lower but intraerythrocyte XO levels were higher (not statistically significant) than the patients without pulmonary involvement. Severe-end stage group had significantly higher intraerythrocyte XO activity. In limited early disease, intraerythrocyte SOD level was significantly lower than the other groups. Plasma MDA level was significantly higher in limited early and diffuse early disease. Plasma MDA, GSH-PX and intraerythrocyte ADA levels were negatively correlated with disease duration. Intraerythrocyte MDA level was positively correlated with pulmonary arterial pressure. Conclusions: This study may show that besides the role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis, oxidative stress may also play a role in the severity of the pulmonary involvement of the disease.

A comparative study of functional pulmonary involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a semi-urban population of Eastern India

Background: Pulmonary involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is frequent although not always clinically recognized. Objectives: The present study was conducted to measure the alterations of lung function parameters with the help of pulmonary function tests in patients of RA in a semi-urban population of a developing country. Materials and Methods: This pilot study was conducted in a time span of 1 year on 156 subjects in Burdwan Medical College after taking Institutional Ethical Clearance and informed consent of the subjects. A total of 106 diagnosed cases of RA was taken as cases, and 50 normal individuals were selected as a control. Different parameters studied were forced vital capacity (FVC), FVC%, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75), FEF25-75%, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), PEFR%. Results: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75, PEFR, and PEFR% were significantly decreased ( P Conclusions: RA was found to be of significant importance in the development of restrictive, as well as OLD. RLD was significantly higher in patients positive for rheumatoid factor and anticyclic citrullinated peptides antibody. Since RA, affects general population with a prevalence of 0.5-1% and lung function gets affected in 30-40% of cases, the patients might be screened for respiratory abnormalities from the time of diagnosis using spirometry.

Interleukin-6 in systemic sclerosis and potential correlation with pulmonary involvement

BackgroundA progressive pulmonary involvement is frequent in systemic sclerosis and it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. IL-6 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis via stimulation of fibroblasts to produce excess collagen and glycosaminoglycan. Specific correlation between IL-6 and lung involvement have not been found yet. AimTo study the possible correlation between lung involvement (assessed by spirometry and HRCT abnormalities) and the serum level of IL-6. Subjects and methods20 patients with scleroderma compared with 20 matched volunteers as control group. All participants underwent spirometry, HRCT scan and serum IL-6 measurements. HRCT signs were scored according to Warrick et al. score for systemic sclerosis. ResultsPatients showed a statistically significant reduction in FVC%, FEF 25–75% and significantly higher ESR and IL-6 compared to control. There was a highly significant positive correlation between the total HRCT score and serum IL-6. ConclusionSerum IL-6 could be a marker of the degree of pulmonary involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Pulmonary involvement in patients with Behçet's disease: report of 15 cases.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem vasculitis, and pulmonary involvement in BD can have complex clinical manifestations. We aimed to analyze the clinical and radiological features, as well as the outcomes, of BD patients with pulmonary manifestation. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 106 patients with BD diagnosed in our institute between January 2000 and January 2013. Patients with pulmonary vascular or parenchymal abnormalities on chest radiography, thorax computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or pulmonary scintigraphy were included in this study. Fifteen patients (14%) were identified to have pulmonary involvement. Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAA) was observed in six patients, and all of them had concomitant thrombi, attenuation or occlusion of PAs, and five of them also had radiographic parenchymal changes. Three patients had solely pulmonary artery thrombus (PAT) without PAA. For the six patients with isolated radiographic parenchyma changes, pulmonary infiltration resolved with immunosuppressant therapy in four subjects; the lesion remained unchanged in one subject with radiographic interstitial changes, and acid-fast bacilli were found in the remaining subject. Patients with PAA or PAT had more frequency of hemoptysis and extra-pulmonary vascular lesions compared with isolated parenchymal involvement. Radiographic parenchyma changes are nonspecific, with ill-defined ground-glass opacity being the most common pulmonary radiographic parenchymal changes. Patients with isolated parenchymal changes had better prognosis than those with PAA or PAT. BD with pulmonary involvement can have a wide spectrum of abnormal clinical and radiographic manifestations, and multiple pulmonary lesions can exit in the same patient.

Comparison of a new, modified lung ultrasonography technique with high-resolution CT in the diagnosis of the alveolo-interstitial syndrome of systemic scleroderma

Pulmonary fibrosis is the main cause of mortality in patients with Systemic Scleroderma (SSc). This study was performed to investigate the utility of modified trans-thoracic ultrasound (TTUS) scoring system according to the comet tail sign (B-line artifacts) and to compare it with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in patients with SSc and pulmonary involvement. Seventy subjects with SSc diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria were enrolled. All subjects underwent HRCT followed by TTUS for comet tail sign detection in order to predict the degree of lung fibrosis. The modified TTUS assessment was performed at 10 intercostals spaces level. A significantly positive correlation between TTUS and the severity of pulmonary involvement (Spearman's correlation coefficient= 0.695, P < 0.001), (LR=74.36, P<0.001) was found. When compared with HRCT as the gold standard method, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of TTUS was 73.58%, 88.23%, 95.12% and 51.72% respectively. Kappa values for the intra-observer modified TTUS assessment was 0.838. Our study showed that the modified TTUS comet tails scoring system could be useful in the assessment of the pulmonary involvement in patients with SSc.

Serum KL-6 elevation and possible pulmonary involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biological agents.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) itself and is also induced by biological and non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The glycoprotein Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) is reported to be a marker for the activity of ILD. To elucidate the relationship between serum KL-6 levels in patients with RA treated with biological agents and pulmonary involvement on computed tomography of the chest. The subjects were 307 patients with RA treated with infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, or tocilizumab. Medical records were reviewed to investigate serum KL-6 levels, disease activity, and pulmonary imaging findings. Levels of KL-6 were abnormally elevated in 25 patients (8.1%): 15 patients (11.2%) treated with infliximab, 6 patients (4.4%) treated with etanercept, and 4 patients (22.2%) treated with adalimumab, but in no patients treated with tocilizumab. However, no clinical pulmonary events developed. Computed tomography of the chest showed the start or progression of interstitial fibrotic change in 5 of 25 (20%) patients with abnormal KL-6 values. The changes in disease activity did not differ significantly between patients who showed elevated KL-6 values and those who did not. Serum KL-6 levels were elevated in 8.1% of patients with RA treated with biological agents. Careful observation is necessary for these patients regarding lung fibrosis.

Pulmonary involvement in polymyositis and dermatomyositis

Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis are systemic inflammatory diseases that affect skeletal muscles and other internal organs such as lung. Pulmonary involvement in polymyositis and dermatomyositis includes interstitial lung disease, aspiration pneumonia, respiratory muscle weakness, etc. The aim of this study was the identification of pulmonary involvement in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis, and their assessment in relation to alterations of immunological examinations. 51 patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis were assessed for anti- nuclear antibody, anti- histidyl t ribonucleic acid synthetase antibody. Pulmonary high resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests were performed for the patients. Interstitial lung disease was found in 15 (29.4%) patients, aspiration pneumonia in 6 (11.8%) patients and respiratory insufficiency in one (2%) patient. Restrictive ventilatory pattern on pulmonary function testing was observed in 13 (25.5%) patients. Pulmonary manifestations are common in polymyositis and dermatomyositis. These afflictions are anatomical and functional. Immunological alterations are important factors in pulmonary afflictions. Copyright © 2014, Indian Journal of Medical Specialities. Published by Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary involvement in patients presenting with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis: thinking beyond a normal chest x-ray

Recognition of pulmonary involvement in extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) may be an important public health issue, as smear-negative pulmonary TB is responsible for about 17% of new infections. Pulmonary TB can be present despite a normal chest x-ray (CXR), even in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative patients. In this retrospective clinical audit, we reviewed a case series of HIV-negative patients with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis to identify the proportion with concurrent pulmonary TB despite an unremarkable CXR. Clinical notes, microbiology results and CXR reports were reviewed from consecutive patients treated at Auckland City Hospital for extra-pulmonary TB from January 2007 to July 2010. Of the sample of 103 patients with extra-pulmonary TB, the majority of patients were born in an Asian country (n=70; 68%). The commonest presentation of extra-pulmonary TB was lymphadenopathy (n=51; 50%), followed by pleural (n=24; 23%) and bone (n=6; 6%) disease. Extra-pulmonary TB was diagnosed by biopsy or excision of the extra-pulmonary site in the majority (n=74; 72%), and by sputum testing alone in 26 (25%). The majority had CXR abnormalities (n=76; 74%). In the group with a normal CXR (n=27), 55% (n=15) had sputum cultures performed. In total, 18% (n=5) of patients with extra-pulmonary TB and a normal CXR had pulmonary TB, of whom two were smear positive. In patients with extra-pulmonary TB, sputum testing should be considered to detect concurrent pulmonary TB even if a CXR is normal, especially in immunosuppressed or symptomatic patients. This may aid diagnosis and determine infectivity and consequent public health action.

Inflammatory cytokines in exhaled breath condensate in children with inflammatory bowel diseases

Although inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affect mainly the gastrointestinal tract, the extra-intestinal manifestations are not uncommon. Different diagnostic methods have been applied to assess pulmonary involvement in patients with IBD, but majority of these methods show significant limitations in children. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) measurements of pro-inflammatory cytokines in children with IBD. Twenty-two children with Crohn's disease (CD) (mean age 13.8 ± 3.3 years), 25 with ulcerative colitis (UC) (mean age 14.1 ± 3.3 years) and 37 healthy volunteers (mean age 13.9 ± 3.6 years) were studied. IBD activity was assessed using appropriate scoring systems. None of the patients had signs or symptoms of pulmonary disease. Exhaled breath condensate was collected and EBC concentration of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) was measured. The concentrations of all the assessed cytokines were significantly higher in the study group as compared to controls. A negative correlation between IL-1β and CD activity index was found. There were no significant relationships between TNF-α, IL-6, or IL-8 level and CD activity index as well as between IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and UC activity index. No significant correlation between the concentration of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IBD duration or treatment duration was found. Elevated concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in EBC in children with IBD may suggest the presence of asymptomatic inflammation in the lower airways.

Pulmonary involvement in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

To determine the frequency of pulmonary involvement in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The experience of the Oklahoma TTP-HUS (hemolytic-uremic syndrome) Registry, a population-based cohort of consecutive patients without selection or referral bias, 1995-2012, was analyzed. Evidence for pulmonary involvement in patients with TTP was also documented with a systematic review of published reports. Only one of 74 Registry patients with acquired severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (activity <10%) had clinically important pulmonary involvement (transient PaO2 , 42mm Hg; arterial O2 saturation, 78%; normal chest X-ray). No clinically important pulmonary involvement occurred in the remaining 73 patients. The systematic review identified 144 articles with search terms for TTP and pulmonary involvement; seven, published 1978-2002, had evaluable individual patient data. Five articles described single patients; only one patient was documented to have severe acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency; in none of the five patients was pulmonary involvement clearly related to TTP. Two articles were case series of seven patients each; no patients had ADAMTS13 activity measured. Each of the 14 patients had potential etiologies other than TTP for pulmonary involvement. Only one of 74 patients in the Oklahoma Registry had clinically important pulmonary involvement. A systematic review of published reports documented no clear evidence for pulmonary involvement resulting from TTP. Clinically important pulmonary involvement may be rare in patients with TTP because (i) pulmonary microvasculature may be inherently resistant to the formation of platelet thrombi and (ii) pulmonary function can be maintained in spite of multiple microvascular thrombi.

SP0098 Ultrasound in Lung Fibrosis

Promising data have recently been obtained by lung ultrasound (LUS), which allows the detection of pulmonary fibrosis by the evaluation of B-lines (previously called ultrasound lung comets). B-lines are the...

SP0179 Ultrasound in Lung Fibrosis

Promising data have recently been obtained by lung ultrasound (LUS), which allows the detection of pulmonary fibrosis by the evaluation of B-lines (previously called ultrasound lung comets). B-lines are the...

HRCT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis; relation to pulmonary function tests

BackgroundChest-X-ray has several limitations in detecting the extent of pulmonary disease in sarcoidosis. It might not reflect the degree of pulmonary involvement in patients with sarcoidosis when compared to computed tomography of the thorax. We aimed to investigate the HRCT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis and to find out the existence of possible relations between HRCT findings and PFTs. In addition, we aimed to investigate the accordance between HRCT findings and conventional chest-X-ray staging of pulmonary sarcoidosis.Method45 patients with sarcoidosis with a mean age 29.7+/− 8.4 years were evaluated. Six of them were female and 39 were male. The type, distribution and extent of the parameters on HRCT/CTs were evaluated and scored. Chest-X-rays were evaluated for the stage of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Correlations were investigated between HRCT/CT parameter scores, Chest X-Ray stages and pulmonary function parameters.ResultsNodule, micronodule, ground glass opacity and consolidation were the most common HRCT findings. There were significant correlations between pulmonary function parameters, HRCT pattern scores, and chest-X-ray stages. A significant correlation between chest-x-ray score and total HRCT score was found.ConclusionsPulmonary sarcoidosis patients might have various pulmonary parenchymal changes on HRCT. Thorax HRCT was superior to chest-X-ray in detecting pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities. The degree of pulmonary involvement might be closely related to the loss of pulmonary function measured by PFTs. Chest-X-ray is considered to have a role in the evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

HRCT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis; relation to pulmonary function tests

Background: Chest-X-ray has several limitations in detecting the extent of pulmonary disease in sarcoidosis. It might not reflect the degree of pulmonary involvement in patients with sarcoidosis when compared to computed tomography of the thorax. We aimed to investigate the HRCT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis and to find out the existence of possible relations between HRCT findings and PFTs. In addition, we aimed to investigate the accordance between HRCT findings and conventional chest-X-ray staging of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Method: 45 patients with sarcoidosis with a mean age 29.7+/− 8.4 years were evaluated. Six of them were female and 39 were male. The type, distribution and extent of the parameters on HRCT/CTs were evaluated and scored. Chest-X-rays were evaluated for the stage of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Correlations were investigated between HRCT/ CT parameter scores, Chest X-Ray stages and pulmonary function parameters. Results: Nodule, micronodule, ground glass opacity and consolidation were the most common HRCT findings. There were significant correlations between pulmonary function parameters, HRCT pattern scores, and chest-X-ray stages. A significant correlation between chest-x-ray score and total HRCT score was found. Conclusions: Pulmonary sarcoidosis patients might have various pulmonary parenchymal changes on HRCT. Thorax HRCT was superior to chest-X-ray in detecting pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities. The degree of pulmonary involvement might be closely related to the loss of pulmonary function measured by PFTs. Chest-X-ray is considered to have a role in the evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis.