Emphysema in asymptomatic smokers: quantitative CT evaluation in correlation with pulmonary function tests

PurposeTo provide quantitative information on emphysema in asymptomatic smokers in correlation with pulmonary function tests (PFT).Patients and methodsThe study population included 75 smokers (current smokers: n=39; ex-smokers: n=36) and 25 nonsmokers who underwent volumetric high-resolution CT of the chest with automated quantification of emphysema and PFTs.ResultsCurrent smokers had a higher percentage of emphysema in the right lung (P=0.041) and right upper lobe (P=0.037). The overall percentage of emphysema did not differ according to the Gold stage (P=0.77). Smokers with emphysema had significantly higher mean values of FRC (P=0.012), RV (0.05). Correlations were found between the percentage of emphysema and (a) cigarette consumption of current (r=0.34215; P=0.0330) and ex-smokers (r=0.44104; P=0.0071); and (b) alterations of TLC, FRC, RV and DLCO of smokers.ConclusionQuantitative CT allows recognition of regional specificities and subclinical functional alterations in smokers with emphysema.