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Comparison of high-resolution computed tomography with pulmonary function testing in symptomatic smokers
Jiraporn Srinakarin1, Jureerat Thammaroj, Watchara Boonsawat
1Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
Summary
High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) detects emphysema in smokers, even with normal pulmonary function. More severe HRCT-diagnosed emphysema correlates with poorer lung function, indicating HRCT
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Emphysema is a significant respiratory condition often affecting smokers.
- Early detection of emphysema is crucial for timely intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings with pulmonary function tests in smokers diagnosed with emphysema.
- To assess the sensitivity of HRCT in detecting early emphysema.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 17 smoking patients with dyspnea undergoing HRCT and pulmonary function tests.
- HRCT scores were correlated with FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and DLCO values.
Main Results:
- All 17 patients showed HRCT findings typical of centrilobular emphysema.
- HRCT severity of emphysema was inversely correlated with DLCO (r=-0.842, p=0.000) and FEV1 (r=-0.597, p=0.011).
- HRCT detected emphysema even when pulmonary function tests were within normal limits.
Conclusions:
- HRCT is a sensitive tool for diagnosing emphysema in symptomatic smokers.
- HRCT can identify emphysema before significant pulmonary function decline.
- Increased emphysema severity on HRCT correlates with reduced lung function.