A size-based emphysema severity index: robust to the breath-hold-level variations and correlated with clinical parameters.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the power-law exponents (D) of emphysema hole-size distributions as a competent emphysema index. Robustness to extreme breath-hold-level variations and correlations with clinical parameters for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were investigated and compared to a conventional emphysema index (EI%).

Patients and methods

A total of 100 patients with COPD (97 males and three females of mean age 67±7.9 years) underwent multidetector row computed tomography scanning at full inspiration and full expiration. The diameters of the emphysematous holes were estimated and quantified with a fully automated algorithm. Power-law exponents (D) of emphysematous hole-size distribution were evaluated.

Results

The diameters followed a power-law distribut

SUBMITTER: Hwang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4976821 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature