Analysis of High-Resolution Computed Tomography Phenotypes and Pulmonary Function in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction: In recent years, there has been increasing interest FEV1) was observed with lower lobe and total average MLD while a mild linear correlation of post-FEV1 was observed with in diagnosing various components of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The purpose of this study was to assess HRCT characteristics in COPD patients.

Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with COPD (as determined by spirometry according to the GOLD recommendations 2014 criteria) were included, with 35 receiving an HRCT. After confirming densitometry values with phantoms, the Philips computer program for lung densitometry was used to determine densities using these limitations (-800/-1, 024 Hounsfield unit [HU]). We defined the area of interest with a free hand drawing, then set limitations (in HUs) and used a computer program to determine the attenuation as mean lung density (MLD) of the lower and higher lobes.

Results: The smoking index and anteroposterior tracheal diameter had a significant relationship (P = 0.036). With increasing disease severity, the tracheal index decreased, which was statistically significant (P = 0.037). A mild linear correlation of pre-forced expiratory volume in the first second (both coronal (P = 0.042) and sagittal (P = 0.001) lower lobes MLD. In addition, there was a linear correlation between both pre (P = 0.050) and post (P = 0.024) FEV1/forced vital capacity with sagittal lower lobe MLD.

Conclusion: HRCT could be a useful supplement to the overall assessment of COPD.