Accurate measurement of small airways on low-dose thoracic CT scans in smokers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Partial volume averaging and tilt relative to the scan plane on transverse images limit the accuracy of airway wall thickness measurements on CT scan, confounding assessment of the relationship between airway remodeling and clinical status in COPD. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of partial volume averaging and tilt corrections on airway wall thickness measurement accuracy and on relationships between airway wall thickening and clinical status in COPD.

Methods

Airway wall thickness measurements in 80 heavy smokers were obtained on transverse images from low-dose CT scan using the open-source program Airway Inspector. Measurements were corrected for partial volume averaging and tilt effects using an attenuation- and geometry-based algorithm and c

SUBMITTER: Lutey BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3653346 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature