Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research
Low-dose CT measurements of airway dimensions and emphysema associated with airflow limitation in heavy smokers: a cross sectional study
Published in: Respiratory Research | Issue 1/2013
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Background
Increased airway wall thickness (AWT) and parenchymal lung destruction bothcontribute to airflow limitation. Advances in computed tomography (CT)post-processing imaging allow to quantify these features. The aim of thisDutch population study is to assess the relationships between AWT, lungfunction, emphysema and respiratory symptoms.
Methods
AWT and emphysema were assessed by low-dose CT in 500 male heavy smokers,randomly selected from a lung cancer screening population. AWT was measuredin each lung lobe in cross-sectionally reformatted images with an automatedimaging program at locations with an internal diameter of 3.5 mm, andvalidated in smaller cohorts of patients. The 15th percentilemethod (Perc15) was used to assess the severity of emphysema. Informationabout respiratory symptoms and smoking behavior was collected byquestionnaires and lung function by spirometry.
Results
Median AWT in airways with an internal diameter of 3.5 mm(AWT3.5) was 0.57 (0.44 - 0.74) mm. Median AWT in subjectswithout symptoms was 0.52 (0.41-0.66) and in those with dyspnea and/orwheezing 0.65 (0.52-0.81) mm (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysisonly AWT3.5 and emphysema independently explained 31.1%and9.5%of the variance in FEV1%predicted, respectively,after adjustment for smoking behavior.
Conclusions
Post processing standardization of airway wall measurements provides areliable and useful method to assess airway wall thickness. Increased airwaywall thickness contributes more to airflow limitation than emphysema in asmoking male population even after adjustment for smoking behavior.