Airway count and emphysema assessed by chest CT imaging predicts clinical outcome in smokers.

Diaz AA, Valim C, Yamashiro T, epar R ul SJ e E, Ross JC, Matsuoka S, Bartholmai B, Hatabu H, Silverman EK, Washko GR. Airway count and emphysema assessed by chest CT imaging predicts clinical outcome in smokers.. Chest. 2010;138(4):880–7.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recently, it has been shown that emphysematous destruction of the lung is associated with a decrease in the total number of terminal bronchioles. It is unknown whether a similar decrease is visible in the more proximal airways. We aimed to assess the relationships between proximal airway count, CT imaging measures of emphysema, and clinical prognostic factors in smokers, and to determine whether airway count predicts the BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE) index.
Last updated on 02/26/2023