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CT-quantified emphysema in male heavy smokers: association with lung function decline
Firdaus A A Mohamed Hoesein1, Bartjan de Hoop, Pieter Zanen
1Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. f.a.a.mohamedhoesein@umcutrecht.nl
Thorax
|April 9, 2011
Summary
Greater emphysema severity in male smokers is linked to worse lung function and faster decline, even without airway obstruction. CT scans can identify smokers at risk of developing airflow obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses emphysema and small airway disease, both causing accelerated lung function decline.
- Investigating the link between emphysema extent in male smokers and lung function decline is crucial for understanding COPD progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between CT-detected emphysema severity and lung function decline in male smokers.
- To determine if emphysema can predict the development of airway obstruction in non-obstructed male smokers.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 2085 male current and former heavy smokers from a lung cancer screening trial.
- Utilized computed tomography (CT) for emphysema assessment (15th percentile, Perc15) and spirometry for lung function (FEV1) at baseline and 3-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Lower Perc15 values (indicating more severe emphysema) correlated with lower baseline FEV1 and significantly predicted greater FEV1 decline over 3 years.
- Male smokers who developed airway obstruction by follow-up had significantly lower baseline Perc15 values than those who did not.
Conclusions:
- Increased severity of CT-detected emphysema is associated with reduced baseline lung function and accelerated lung function decline in male smokers.
- CT-based emphysema assessment can identify male smokers without current obstruction who are at higher risk of developing airflow obstruction.
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