Analysis of high-resolution computed tomography phenotypes and pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Objective: To explore the correlation between high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) phenotype and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Fifty-six patients with COPD were retrospectively evaluated using pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and HRCT, and phenotypic pulmonary function parameters were analyzed. Results: Thirty-one patients were classified as having imaging phenotype A, 11 were phenotype E, and 14 were phenotype M. The total lung capacity (TLC)% of phenotype E was significantly higher than that of phenotypes A and M. The residual volume (RV) to TLC ratio (RV/TLC) in phenotype A was significantly lower than that in phenotypes E and M. The forced expiratory volume in one second percentage (FEV1%) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) of phenotype A was significantly higher than that of phenotypes E and M. Conclusion: FEV1/FVC and FEV1% were higher and RV/TLC was lower, indicating less severe emphysema, in patients with phenotype A compared with patients with phenotypes E and M. TLC% of patients with phenotype E was significantly higher than that of patients with phenotypes A and M. The degree of airflow limitation was most severe in patients with phenotype M.