Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Emphysematous Chest - A Prospective Study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Worldwide, COPD is the major cause ofhealth care burden and the only leading cause of death that isincreasing in prevalence. Hence present study was undertakento correlate clinical and radiological findings of PulmonaryEmphysema. Imaging spectrum of Emphysema was analysedby chest X ray and computerized tomography and they werecorrelated with stages of COPD as per GOLD guidelinesbased on PFT.Material and Methods: The source of data for this prospectivestudy were 150 patients with probable diagnosis of COPDreferred to our department of Radio diagnosis. After informedconsent, clinical history and clinical examination was done.PFT, chest radiographs and CT were performed.Results: There was a significant association between X rayfinding with PFT and CT findings with PFT with P Value 0.001and P value 0.0002 respectively using Fischer’s exact test.There was a significant association between the features likehyperinflation, bullae and tubular heart noted on X ray withCT. CT was much more sensitive in diagnosis of emphysemain even mild type of COPD.Discussion: COPD is a disease of old age and is associatedwith prolonged duration of exposure to smoke and noxiousparticles. CT is undoubtedly more sensitive(100%) than chestradiographs in diagnosing emphysema and in determiningits type and extent and has a significant association withPFT.Conclusion: This hospital based study had limitations ofsmall sample size and inherent bias, but clearly shows thatCT has important diagnostic role in Emphysema with highsensitivity and specificity.