Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
09:49
Measurement of the Pressure-volume Curve in Mouse Lungs
Published on: January 27, 2015
19.7K
Impact of emphysema heterogeneity on pulmonary function
Jieyang Ju1, Ruosha Li2, Suicheng Gu1
1Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Plos One
|November 20, 2014
Summary
Emphysema spatial distribution impacts lung function in COPD patients. More homogeneous emphysema or lower lung involvement is linked to worse pulmonary function, indicating disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Respiratory Diseases
Background:
- Emphysema, a component of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), exhibits spatial heterogeneity.
- Understanding the relationship between emphysema distribution and functional impairment is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the spatial distribution of emphysema, pulmonary function, and disease severity in COPD patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized CT scans from 565 participants in a COPD study (160 with COPD, 190 controls).
- Quantified low attenuation areas (LAAs) per lobe to define emphysema heterogeneity.
- Employed multiple linear regression to assess associations between heterogeneity and pulmonary function (e.g., FEV1% predicted, RV/TLC, DLco% predicted), adjusted for covariates.
Main Results:
- The majority of COPD subjects (128/160) exhibited heterogeneity greater than zero.
- Upper lobe dominant emphysema heterogeneity positively correlated with improved pulmonary function (FEV1 Predicted, FEV1/FVC) and disease severity.
- A negative association was observed between heterogeneity and RV/TLC, and a non-significant trend with DLco% predicted.
Conclusions:
- More homogeneous emphysema distribution and lower lung-dominant emphysema are associated with poorer pulmonary function in COPD.
- Emphysema spatial heterogeneity is a significant factor influencing lung function and disease severity.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
16
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
16
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
22
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
22
01:19Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet...
20
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
19
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
19
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
1.1K
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
1.1K
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
3.9K
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
3.9K