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Lung parenchymal changes secondary to cigarette smoking: pathologic-CT correlations
M Remy-Jardin1, J Remy, B Gosselin
1Department of Radiology, Hôpital Calmette, CHRU de Lille, France.
Radiology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) accurately identifies smokers
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cigarette smoking causes significant lung alterations.
- Computed tomography (CT) is used to assess these changes.
- Histopathologic correlation is crucial for accurate CT interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the histopathologic basis for CT findings in smokers' lungs.
- To evaluate the accuracy of CT in detecting smoking-related lung changes.
Main Methods:
- Studied parenchymal lung lesions in 41 heavy smokers undergoing thoracotomy.
- Performed CT scans on resected lungs, correlating with preoperative scans.
- Examined histologic features corresponding to CT findings.
Main Results:
- Ground-glass attenuation on CT correlated with pigmented macrophages, mucus, inflammation, fibrosis, or alveolitis.
- Parenchymal micronodules on CT corresponded to bronchiolestasis and peribronchiolar fibrosis.
- Emphysema detected on CT was consistently more extensive pathologically.
Conclusions:
- CT findings in smokers' lungs have specific histopathologic correlates.
- CT demonstrates ground-glass attenuation, micronodules, and emphysema accurately.
- Accurate CT interpretation aids in understanding smoking-induced lung disease.