Expiratory computed tomography for assessment of suspected pulmonary emphysema

R. J. Knudson, J. R. Standen, W. T. Kaltenborn, D. E. Knudson, K. Rehm, M. P. Habib, J. D. Newell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

140 Scopus citations

Abstract

Results of computed tomography of the lung performed at two levels in upper lung zones at full inspiration and full expiration were compared with results of tests of ventilatory function, lung mechanics, and single breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity in 64 subjects, many of whom had some form of airflow obstruction. From the CT scans, the mean percentage of pixels in the range -900 to -1,024 Hounsfield units, or pixel index, was determined for each subject. The highest correlations of pixel index with physiologic variables consistent with a diagnosis of emphysema were observed for CT taken at full expiration. In some subjects, the inspiratory CT would give a 'false positive' for emphysema when the hyperaeration observed at inspiration was not observed at expiration. We believe that the CT scan taken at full expiration can effectively reveal the abnormal permanent enlargement of airspaces which defines emphysema and provides a noninvasive method of assessing lung morphology in the living human subject.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1357-1366
Number of pages10
JournalCHEST
Volume99
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1991
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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