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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: correlation of individual CT patterns with functional abnormalities
D M Hansell1, A U Wells, S P Padley
1Department of Radiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, England.
Radiology
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) scans reveal key patterns in hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Decreased lung attenuation on CT correlates with air trapping, indicating bronchiolitis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated lung disease.
- Accurate assessment of HP requires correlating imaging findings with lung function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate thin-section CT scan findings with pulmonary function test results in subacute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Main Methods:
- Thin-section CT scans (1-3 mm collimation) were analyzed for abnormality patterns and disease extent in 22 HP patients.
- CT scores were correlated with pulmonary function parameters using Spearman rank correlation and stepwise regression.
Main Results:
- Common CT patterns included decreased attenuation/mosaic perfusion (19 patients), ground-glass opacification (18), and nodules (12).
- Decreased lung attenuation correlated with air trapping severity (residual volume, r = .58, P < .01).
- Ground-glass opacification and reticulation independently correlated with restrictive lung function.
Conclusions:
- Decreased attenuation and mosaic perfusion are significant CT findings in HP.
- Obstructive functional abnormalities suggest HP-related bronchiolitis.