Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Multi-modal Pulmonary Imaging: Using Complementary Information from CT and Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to Evaluate Lung Structure-Function
Published on: April 12, 2024
Computed tomography measurement of rib cage morphometry in emphysema
Nicola Sverzellati1, Davide Colombi, Giorgia Randi
1Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. nicola.sverzellati@unipr.it
This study reveals how factors like gender, age, BMI, and COPD-related emphysema influence human rib cage shape in smokers. Simple CT scans can predict these rib cage variations.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic anatomy
- Pulmonary medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Human rib cage shape determinants are not fully understood.
- Investigating anthropometric and COPD-related factors impacting rib cage variability in smokers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the contribution of anthropometric and COPD-related changes to rib cage variability in adult cigarette smokers.
- To establish relationships between rib cage morphometry and emphysema.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans of 816 smokers were analyzed.
- Rib cage dimensions and areas were measured at three anatomical levels.
- Linear regression models assessed relationships with anthropometric factors, lung function, and emphysema percentage.
Main Results:
- Gender, age, BMI, emphysema%, FEV1%, and FVC% best predicted rib cage measurements (R²=64% for lower rib cage area).
- Emphysema% increased upper and middle rib cage areas, while decreased FVC% reduced lower rib cage areas.
- Gender significantly impacted rib cage diameter and area.
Conclusions:
- Simple CT measurements effectively predict rib cage morphometric variability.
- Significant relationships exist between rib cage morphometry and emphysema in smokers.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
The Thoracic Cage: Ribs
Parts of a Typical Rib
A typical rib has a head, neck, and body. The posterior end of the rib is called the head, followed by a narrow neck. The head articulates primarily with the costal facet...
