Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Peripheral airways obstruction on high-resolution computed tomography in chronic severe asthma
1Department of Radiology, Royal Brompton National Heart and Lung Hospital, London, U.K.
Chronic severe asthma involves airway structural changes, particularly peripheral airway obstruction. High-resolution CT scans reveal air trapping, correlating with reduced lung function and increased asthma severity.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Chronic severe asthma can lead to structural alterations in both proximal and distal airways.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing severe asthma cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess structural airway changes in chronic severe asthma using high-resolution computed tomography (CT).
- To investigate the relationship between airway morphology, air trapping, and lung function (FEV1).
Main Methods:
- High-resolution CT scans were performed on 24 chronic severe asthma patients during full inspiration and expiration.
- Scans were analyzed by two radiologists to identify airway dilatation, thickening, and air trapping.
- Quantitative analysis included the expiratory-to-inspiratory cross-sectional area ratio (Exp/Ins).
Main Results:
- Air trapping was observed in 20 out of 24 patients, indicated by increased lucency on expiratory scans.
- The mean Exp/Ins ratio was significantly higher in asthmatic patients (75.9%) compared to historical controls (44.6%).
- Reduced FEV1 (% predicted) correlated significantly with air trapping (Exp/Ins ratio and CT features).
Conclusions:
- Peripheral airway obstruction is a significant finding in chronic severe asthma.
- Air trapping, visualized by CT, is linked to reduced lung function and may contribute to asthma severity.
More Related Videos
08:05Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia
Published on: December 19, 2020
02:09Multi-modal Pulmonary Imaging: Using Complementary Information from CT and Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to Evaluate Lung Structure-Function
Published on: April 12, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations