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01-09-2014 | Computed Tomography

Effect of inspiration on airway dimensions measured in maximal inspiration CT images of subjects without airflow limitation

Authors: Jens Petersen, Mathilde M. W. Wille, Lars Lau Rakêt, Aasa Feragen, Jesper H. Pedersen, Mads Nielsen, Asger Dirksen, Marleen de Bruijne

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 9/2014

Abstract

Objectives

To study the effect of inspiration on airway dimensions measured in voluntary inspiration breath-hold examinations.

Methods

961 subjects with normal spirometry were selected from the Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial. Subjects were examined annually for five years with low-dose CT. Automated software was utilized to segment lungs and airways, identify segmental bronchi, and match airway branches in all images of the same subject. Inspiration level was defined as segmented total lung volume (TLV) divided by predicted total lung capacity (pTLC). Mixed-effects models were used to predict relative change in lumen diameter (ALD) and wall thickness (AWT) in airways of generation 0 (trachea) to 7 and segmental bronchi (R1-R10 and L1-L10) from relative changes in inspiration level.

Results

Relative changes in ALD were related to relative changes in TLV/pTLC, and this distensibility increased with generation (p < 0.001). Relative changes in AWT were inversely related to relative changes in TLV/pTLC in generation 3--7 (p < 0.001). Segmental bronchi were widely dispersed in terms of ALD (5.7 ± 0.7 mm), AWT (0.86 ± 0.07 mm), and distensibility (23.5 ± 7.7 %).

Conclusions

Subjects who inspire more deeply prior to imaging have larger ALD and smaller AWT. This effect is more pronounced in higher-generation airways. Therefore, adjustment of inspiration level is necessary to accurately assess airway dimensions.

Key Points

• Airway lumen diameter increases and wall thickness decreases with inspiration

• The effect of inspiration is greater in higher-generation (more peripheral) airways

• Airways of generation 5 and beyond are as distensible as lung parenchyma

• Airway dimensions measured from CT should be adjusted for inspiration level

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Title: Effect of inspiration on airway dimensions measured in maximal inspiration CT images of subjects without airflow limitation
Authors: Jens Petersen
Mathilde M. W. Wille
Lars Lau Rakêt
Aasa Feragen
Jesper H. Pedersen
Mads Nielsen
Asger Dirksen
Marleen de Bruijne
Publication date: 01-09-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 9/2014
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3261-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effect of inspiration on airway dimensions measured in maximal inspiration CT images of subjects without airflow limitation

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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