Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Emphysematous Chest - A Prospective Study

Introduction: Worldwide, COPD is the major cause of health care burden and the only leading cause of death that is increasing in prevalence. Hence present study was undertaken to correlate clinical and radiological findings of Pulmonary Emphysema. Imaging spectrum of Emphysema was analysed by chest X ray and computerized tomography and they were correlated with stages of COPD as per GOLD guidelines based on PFT. Material and Methods: The source of data for this prospective study were 150 patients with probable diagnosis of COPD referred to our department of Radio diagnosis. After informed consent, clinical history and clinical examination was done. PFT, chest radiographs and CT were performed. Results: There was a significant association between X ray finding with PFT and CT findings with PFT with P Value 0.001 and P value 0.0002 respectively using Fischer’s exact test. There was a significant association between the features like hyperinflation, bullae and tubular heart noted on X ray with CT. CT was much more sensitive in diagnosis of emphysema in even mild type of COPD. Discussion: COPD is a disease of old age and is associated with prolonged duration of exposure to smoke and noxious particles. CT is undoubtedly more sensitive(100%) than chest radiographs in diagnosing emphysema and in determining its type and extent and has a significant association with PFT. Conclusion: This hospital based study had limitations of small sample size and inherent bias, but clearly shows that CT has important diagnostic role in Emphysema with high sensitivity and specificity.