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

    141 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

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Expiratory computed tomography for assessment of suspected pulmonary emphysema'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this