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Updated: May 30, 2026

Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia
Published on: December 19, 2020
The relationship between lung function impairment and quantitative computed tomography in chronic obstructive
1Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508GA, Postbus 85500, Utrecht, The Netherlands. o.m.mets@umcutrecht.nl
Objectives:
To determine the relationship between lung function impairment and quantitative computed tomography (CT) measurements of air trapping and emphysema in a population of current and former heavy smokers with and without airflow limitation.
Methods:
In 248 subjects (50 normal smokers; 50 mild obstruction; 50 moderate obstruction; 50 severe obstruction; 48 very severe obstruction) CT emphysema and CT air trapping were quantified on paired inspiratory and end-expiratory CT examinations using several available quantification methods. CT measurements were related to lung function (FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC, RV/TLC, Kco) by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.
Results:
Quantitative CT measurements of emphysema and air trapping were strongly correlated to airflow limitation (univariate r-squared up to 0.72, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the combination of CT emphysema and CT air trapping explained 68-83% of the variability in airflow limitation in subjects covering the total range of airflow limitation (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
The combination of quantitative CT air trapping and emphysema measurements is strongly associated with lung function impairment in current and former heavy smokers with a wide range of airflow limitation.
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