Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease CT


 * Associate Editors-In-Chief:, Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]

Overview
A high-resolution computed tomography scan of the chest may show the distribution of emphysema throughout the lungs and can also be useful to exclude other lung diseases.

CT scan

 * High-resolution CT scan is more sensitive and specific than standard chest Xray.


 * Outlined bullae are better visualized on CT scan than CXray.


 * HRCT may help in diagnosing other COPD for instance alpha antitrypsin deficiency shows lower lobe involvement on HRCT


 * Helps in decision making regarding treatment