Detection of air trapping in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by low frequency ultrasound.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Spirometry is regarded as the gold standard for the diagnosis of COPD, yet the condition is widely underdiagnosed. Therefore, additional screening methods that are easy to perform and to interpret are needed. Recently, we demonstrated that low frequency ultrasound (LFU) may be helpful for monitoring lung diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether LFU can be used to detect air trapping in COPD. In addition, we evaluated the ability of LFU to detect the effects of short-acting bronchodilator medication.

Methods

Seventeen patients with COPD and 9 healthy subjects were examined by body plethysmography and LFU. Ultrasound frequencies ranging from 1 to 40 kHz were transmitted to the sternum and received at the back during inspiration and expiration. T

SUBMITTER: Morenz K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3359201 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature