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European Radiology

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01-10-2016 | Chest

Tracheal CT morphology: correlation with distribution and extent of thoracic adipose tissue

Authors: Derfel ap Dafydd, Sujal R. Desai, Fabiana Gordon, Susan J. Copley

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2016

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between adipose tissue measurements and anterior bowing of the posterior tracheal wall in a large nonselected group of patients undergoing CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA).

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing CTPA over a 4-month period were analyzed retrospectively. Using an adapted scoring system (posterior bowing, flattening, mild/moderate or severe anterior bowing of the posterior tracheal membrane), the axial morphology and cross-sectional area of the trachea at the narrowest point and 1 cm above the aortic arch were evaluated. Measurements of adipose tissue were taken (anterior mediastinal fat width, sagittal upper abdominal diameter and subcutaneous fat thickness at the level of the costophrenic angle). Relationships between tracheal morphology and measurements of adipose tissue were analyzed.

Results

296 patients were included (120 males, 176 females, mean age 59 years, range 19–90). Severe anterior bowing of the posterior tracheal wall correlated with increasing sagittal upper abdominal diameter (p = 0.002). Mild/moderate and severe anterior bowing of the posterior tracheal wall correlated with increasing mediastinal fat width (p = 0.000 and p = 0.031, respectively). Tracheal cross-sectional area was inversely correlated with increasing subcutaneous fat thickness (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between CT tracheal morphology and adipose tissue measurements in a large nonselected population.

Key points

• There is increasing interest in the effects of obesity on the airways.

• A relationship between anterior bowing of the posterior tracheal wall and adipose tissue measurements is demonstrated.

• This is of clinical relevance in an increasingly obese population.

• Further studies with functional correlation are required.

World Health Organisation, Healthcare topics: Obesity, http://www.who.int/topics/obesity/en/. Accessed October 13 2014

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Title: Tracheal CT morphology: correlation with distribution and extent of thoracic adipose tissue
Authors: Derfel ap Dafydd
Sujal R. Desai
Fabiana Gordon
Susan J. Copley
Publication date: 01-10-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2016
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4205-x

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Tracheal CT morphology: correlation with distribution and extent of thoracic adipose tissue

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key points

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key points

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