Role of Computed Tomography in Emphysema

Abstract

Pulmonary emphysema is defined as "a condition of the lung characterized by abnormal permanent enlargement of the airspaces distal. to the terminal bronchioles accompanied by destruction of their walls, and without obvious fibrosis (Snider et al., 1985).

The presence, type and extent of emphysema have been determined by morphologic examination of sections of lung surgically resected or obtained at autopsy (Ronald et al, 1991).

The identification and precise quantification of pulmonary emphysema in life are an attractive proposition. identification of the condition in life not only allows assessment of the extent of damage but emphysema as well as intervention such as antiprotease replacement and persuading the patient to give up smoking. (Micheal et al, 1992).

Several recent studies have compared morphologic assessment of emphysema from lungs or lobes surgically resected or obtained at autopsy with result of C.T scans. (Kuwano et al., 1990).