CT Imaging-Based Low-Attenuation Super Clusters in Three Dimensions and the Progression of Emphysema.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Distributions of low-attenuation areas in two-dimensional (2-D) CT lung slices are used to quantify parenchymal destruction in patients with COPD. However, these segmental approaches are limited and may not reflect the true three-dimensional (3-D) tissue processes that drive emphysematous changes in the lung. The goal of this study was to instead evaluate distributions of 3-D low-attenuation volumes, which we hypothesized would follow a power law distribution and provide a more complete assessment of the mechanisms underlying disease progression.

Methods

CT scans and pulmonary function test results were acquired from an observational database for N = 12 patients with COPD and N = 12 control patients. The data set included baseline and two annual follow-up evaluati

SUBMITTER: Mondonedo JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6344385 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature