Computed tomography measurement of rib cage morphometry in emphysema.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Factors determining the shape of the human rib cage are not completely understood. We aimed to quantify the contribution of anthropometric and COPD-related changes to rib cage variability in adult cigarette smokers.

Methods

Rib cage diameters and areas (calculated from the inner surface of the rib cage) in 816 smokers with or without COPD, were evaluated at three anatomical levels using computed tomography (CT). CTs were analyzed with software, which allows quantification of total emphysema (emphysema%). The relationship between rib cage measurements and anthropometric factors, lung function indices, and %emphysema were tested using linear regression models.

Results

A model that included gender, age, BMI, emphysema%, forced expiratory volume in one second (

SUBMITTER: Sverzellati N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3729561 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature