The Correlation between HRCT Emphysema Score and Exercise Pulmonary Testing Parameters

Background : The correlation between the high resolution computed tomography(HRCT) emphysema score and the physiologic parameters including resting and exercise pulmonary function test was investigated in 14 patients( years) with pulmonary emphysema. Methods : The patients underwent a HRCT, a resting pulmonary function test, and incremental exercise testing(cycle ergometer, 10 W/min). Computed tomography scans were obtained on a GE highlight at 10 mm intervals using 10 mm collimation, from the apex to the base after a full inspiration. The emphysema scores were determined by a CT program 'Density mask' outlining the areas with attenuation values less than -900 HU, indicating the emphysema areas, and providing an overall percentage of lung involvement by emphysema. Results : Among the resting PFT parameters, only the diffusing capacity(r=-0.75) and (r=-0.66) correlated with the emphysema score(p-pulse(r=-0.73), and the physiologic dead space ratio at the maximum workload(r=-0.80)(p