Influence of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in reviewing the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A study of 16 male patients

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is manifested mainly as two main clinical phenotypes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is characterized by the presence of poorly reversible airflow obstruction; the presence of other histopathological changes may contribute to the poor response to treatment in many patients. Aim of study: To detect additional changes that involves the lung tissue such as interstitial lung fibrosis in COPD patient. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on (16) male patients diagnosed with COPD. All patients were during the stable state, and investigated by spirometry and HRCT. Results: Eight patients had emphysema, four had emphysema and lung fibrosis, two had traction bronchiectasis, one with apical fibrosis and another with possible lung neoplasm, four patients (out of seven) who had obstructive and restrictive pattern on spirometry had interstitial changes compared to two (out of nine of those with obstructive pattern only. Conclusions and Recommendations: HRCT scan is an important diagnostic tool to detect other pulmonary changes that can occur in patients with COPD. Larger studies are needed and obtaining histopathological assessment for these patients.