Lung Imaging in COPD Part 1

COPD is a condition characterized by chronic airflow obstruction resulting from chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. The clinical picture is usually progressive with respiratory symptoms such as exertional dyspnea and chronic cough. For many years, spirometry was used to establish a diagnosis of COPD. Recent advancements in imaging techniques allow quantitative and qualitative analysis of the lung parenchyma as well as related airways and vascular and extrapulmonary manifestations of COPD. These imaging methods may allow prognostication of disease and shed light on the efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. This is the first of a two-part series of articles on the usefulness of imaging methods in COPD, and it highlights useful information that clinicians can obtain from these imaging studies to make more accurate diagnosis and therapeutic decisions. COPD is a condition characterized by chronic airflow obstruction resulting from chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. The clinical picture is usually progressive with respiratory symptoms such as exertional dyspnea and chronic cough. For many years, spirometry was used to establish a diagnosis of COPD. Recent advancements in imaging techniques allow quantitative and qualitative analysis of the lung parenchyma as well as related airways and vascular and extrapulmonary manifestations of COPD. These imaging methods may allow prognostication of disease and shed light on the efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. This is the first of a two-part series of articles on the usefulness of imaging methods in COPD, and it highlights useful information that clinicians can obtain from these imaging studies to make more accurate diagnosis and therapeutic decisions. Lung Imaging in COPD Part 2: Emerging ConceptsCHESTVol. 164Issue 2PreviewThe diagnosis, prognostication, and differentiation of phenotypes of COPD can be facilitated by CT scan imaging of the chest. CT scan imaging of the chest is a prerequisite for lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation. Quantitative analysis can be used to evaluate extent of disease progression. Evolving imaging techniques include micro-CT scan, ultra-high-resolution and photon-counting CT scan imaging, and MRI. Potential advantages of these newer techniques include improved resolution, prediction of reversibility, and obviation of radiation exposure. Full-Text PDF Chest Imaging of COPD: Bridging the COPD Research Gap With Stop, Look, and ListenCHESTVol. 164Issue 1PreviewInnumerable articles have been written and many millions of dollars have been invested in efforts to understand COPD. Yet, despite decades of research, there is still a paucity of evidence-based therapies that have a measurable effect on disease trajectory for patients with COPD. Perhaps this is because, although COPD is a complex pulmonary condition, it also impacts the heart and a multitude of extrathoracic organs including skeletal muscle, bone, brain, and the vasculature.1 Full-Text PDF