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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Spirometry vs CT Scan
Answered by
CO
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Feb 18, 2008 05:42PM
, Feb 18, 2008 05:42PM
Although it is possible, it is unlikely to have no signs on a CT scan with spirometry evidence suggestive of "moderate emphysema". Simple spirometry reflects airway obstruction to airflow. The CT scan images reflect the sites and degree of emphysema. Beyond simple spirometry, a reduced diffusion test would be suggestive but not diagnostic of emphysema.
There is a loose but imperfect correlation between the degree of airway obstruction and the CT scan demonstration of anatomic emphysema.
All this assumes that we are talking about a good quality, high-resolution CT scan. The first step would be to confirm that. The second step would be to confirm the validity of the spiromety testing and the validity of the interpretation of the results.
There is a loose but imperfect correlation between the degree of airway obstruction and the CT scan demonstration of anatomic emphysema.
All this assumes that we are talking about a good quality, high-resolution CT scan. The first step would be to confirm that. The second step would be to confirm the validity of the spiromety testing and the validity of the interpretation of the results.
