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Bronchoarterial ratio on thin section CT: comparison between high altitude and sea level
J S Kim1, N L Müller, C S Park
1Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|March 1, 1997
Summary
High altitude increases the bronchoarterial ratio and decreases bronchial wall thickness in healthy individuals. These changes in airway dimensions are likely due to hypoxia-induced bronchodilation and vasoconstriction.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Altitude Physiology
Background:
- Understanding airway dimensions is crucial for diagnosing respiratory conditions.
- Altitude-induced physiological changes can affect pulmonary vasculature and airways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify normal bronchial to pulmonary arterial diameter ratios.
- To measure normal bronchial wall thickness using thin-section CT.
- To compare these measurements at high altitude versus sea level.
Main Methods:
- Thin-section CT scans were performed on 17 healthy subjects at 1,600 m and 16 at sea level.
- Segmental and subsegmental bronchi and adjacent pulmonary arteries were analyzed.
- Bronchial wall thickness and bronchoarterial diameter ratios were measured.
Main Results:
- A total of 467 bronchi were assessed.
- The bronchoarterial ratio was significantly higher at high altitude (0.76) compared to sea level (0.62).
- Bronchial wall thickness was significantly lower at high altitude (0.92 mm) compared to sea level (1.12 mm).
Conclusions:
- Altitude is associated with an increased bronchoarterial ratio and decreased bronchial wall thickness.
- Hypoxic bronchodilation and vasoconstriction are proposed mechanisms for these observed changes.