Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cest Diseases and Tuberculosis

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) lung analysis allows assessment of COPD patients and can contribute to improved patient care, assessment of COPD progression, and identification of severe COPD with increasing risk of mortality. Small airways disease can be quantified through measurements reflecting morphology, quantification of obstruction, and changes in airways walls.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical importance of CT in patients with COPD via eliciting positive primary predictors of disease including the lung parenchyma and/or airways with possible impact on management plan.Patients and Methods: Totally, 60 patients were included in this study. All patients underwent full history taking, clinical examination, spirometry, and were referred to the Radiology Department for non-contrast chest CT. Results: There was a direct relationship between Emphysema Score (the degree of emphysema using visual and semi-quantitative CT assessment) and Hyperinflation with Smoking index, FEV1% & FEF25-75 in PFTs. Also a direct relation between Lumen Narrowing (metric measures as calculated using CT) with Smoking index, FEV1% & FEF25-75.Conclusion: CT scan is likely to be used as an important tool by which we obtain predictors of disease severity in COPD.Semi-Quantitative imaging, including color coded images (HU related), is a promising approach in the field of emphysema diagnosis and prognosis. This understanding will aid optimal patient categorization and contribute in management strategies and improve outcomes

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