High-Resolution Computed Tomography(HRCT)Findings of the Lung in Asthmatic Children and Their Correlation with Clinical Characteristics

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to determine the abnormal high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) findings of the lung in uncomplicated asthmatic children, to compare the clinical characteristics between normal and abnormal HRCT finding groups and to correlate abnormal HRCT findings with clinical characteristics, especially FEV1 and PC20. METHODS: Forty asthmatic children were studied. Inspiratory and expiratory HRCT scans were performed on all patients. Pulmonary function tests and methacholine challenge tests were done and total eosinophil counts and total IgE level were checked during the symptom-free period. According to the presence of abnormality in HRCT findings, the subjects were divided into two groups Normal and abnormal HRCT finding group. Clinical characteristics, severity of asthma, FEV1 and PC20 were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Abnormal HRCT findings were air trapping, fibrosis, bronchial dilatation, and bronchial wall thickening. Air trapping was the most prevalent finding(50%). Significant differences in total IgE level(P< 0.05), severity of asthma(P< 0.05), FEV1(P< 0.05) and PC20(P< 0.05) were found between patients with abnormal HRCT findings and those with normal HRCT findings. Air trapping scores were significantly correlated with FEV1(r=-0.469, P< 0.05) and PC20(r=-0.315, P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Air trapping was detected in 50% of uncomplicated asthmatic children and air trapping scores were correlated well with the extent of airflow obstruction and the degree of airway hyperresponsiveness. Our data suggest that the extent of air trapping found on HRCT scans reflects the severity of asthma and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic patients.