skip to content
Dovepress - Open Access to Scientific and Medical Research
View our mobile site

3669

Investigation of airways using MDCT for visual and quantitative assessment in COPD patients

(1003) Article views

Authors: Pierre-Yves Brillet, Catalin I Fetita, Amaury Saragaglia, Anne-Laure Brun, Catherine Beigelman-Aubry, et al

Published Date March 2008 , Volume 2008:3(1)

Journal: International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Pierre-Yves Brillet1, Catalin I Fetita2, Amaury Saragaglia2, Anne-Laure Brun3, Catherine Beigelman-Aubry3, Françoise Prêteux2, Philippe A Grenier3

1Department of Radiology, Avicenne Hospital, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Léonard de Vinci–Paris Nord, EA 2361, Bobigny, France; 2ARTEMIS Department, Institut National des Télécommunications, Université Paris V, Evry, France; 3Department of Radiology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France

Abstract: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) acquisition during a single breath hold using thin collimation provides high resolution volumetric data set permitting multiplanar and three dimensional reconstruction of the proximal airways. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, this technique provides an accurate assessment of bronchial wall thickening, tracheobronchial deformation, outpouchings reflecting dilatation of the submucous glands, tracheobronchomalacia, and expiratory air trapping. New software developed to segment adequately the lumen and walls of the airways on MDCT scans allows quantitative assessment of the airway dimensions which has shown to be reliable in clinical practice. This technique can become important in longitudinal studies of the pathogenesis of COPD, and in the assessment of therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: COPD – tracheobronchial tree, multidetector CT – airway remodeling, tracheobronchomalacia


  • Journal Indexing

    See where all the Dove Press journals are indexed

  • Testimonials

    "You do a tremendous job!!" Ruben Restrepo, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio