Quantitative Computed Tomography Analysis of the Longitudinal Change Between Centrilobular and Paraseptal Emphysema Subtypes: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the difference between the extent of centrilobular emphysema (CLE) and paraseptal emphysema (PSE) on follow-up chest CT scans and their relationship to the cross-sectional area (CSA) of small pulmonary vessels. Methods Sixty-two patients (36 CLE and 26 PSE) who underwent 2 chest CT scans were enrolled in this study. The percentage of low attenuation volume (%LAV) and total CSA of the small pulmonary vessels <5 mm2 (%CSA < 5) were measured at the 2 time points. Analysis of the initial %CSA < 5 and the change in the %LAV and %CSA < 5 on follow-up imaging was performed. Results The initial %CSA < 5 was not significantly different between the CLE and the PSE groups (CLE, 0.66 vs. PSE, 0.71; P = 0.78). There was no significant difference in the longitudinal change in the %LAV between the 2 groups (CLE, −0.048% vs. PSE, 0.005%; P = 0.26). The longitudinal change in the %CSA < 5 in patients with PSE significantly decreased compared with those with CLE (CLE, 0.025% vs. PSE, −0.018%; P = 0.02). Conclusions The longitudinal change in the %CSA < 5 was significantly different for patients with CLE and PSE, demonstrating an important pathophysiological difference between the subtypes.