Longitudinal evaluation of lung function associated with emphysema in healthy smokers

Abstract

Background: Smoking reduces pulmonary function and induces various lung diseases. Recently, the rate of emphysema detection has increased due to lung cancer screening with low-dose chest computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in lung function associated with emphysema in healthy smokers. Methods: One hundred and ninety one healthy smokers, who had undergone a low-dose chest CT (LDCT) scan as part of lung cancer screening and had revisited the health center after a median 23.9 months' time, were recruited into this study. The severity of emphysema was calculated by the direct observation of a radiologist and a pulmonologist indipendently. Longitudinal changes in lung function according to emphysema based on LDCT and type of smoker was analyzed. Results: Of the participants in this study, 25% of healthy smokers had emphysema, which was mild in severity, in older patients (p=0.003) and in heavy smokers (p<0.001). FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% were decreased in current smokers with emphysema (p=0.001 and p=0.009, respectively) and without emphysema (p=0.001 and p=0.042). Although lung function was not decreased in ex-smokers without emphysema, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% were decreased in ex-smoker with emphysema (p=0.020 and p=0.010). Conclusion: Upon examination with LDCT, the prevalence of emphysema was higher in healthy smokers was than in non-smokers. Lung function was diminished in smokers with emphysema, in spite of former smoker. Copyright©2010. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. All rights reserved.