Abstract
Rationale: We explored if shape analyses of maximal expiratory flow-volume curves (MEFVC) can be linked to CT-determined emphysema (E), small airways disease (SAD) and bronchial wall thickening (BWT) in COPD.
Methods: We used principal component analysis to extract patterns from MEFVC shape and performed multiple linear regression to associate with CT parameters and CT phenotypes in 6303 patients from COPDGene.
Results: The first four dominant components of MEFVC (Fig. 1) were important predictors for continuous CT parameters of E and SAD, but less relevant for BWT. They lost significant power when classical pulmonary function test parameters were added, although still dominant for SAD. Components could not identify CT-phenotypes if FEV1>80% but did contribute to the identification of E and SAD when FEV1<80%. Combined CT-phenotypes presented with more concavity on MEFVC (Fig. 2).
Conclusions: The shape of the maximal expiratory flow-volume curve is not an appropriate screening tool for CT phenotypes in mild disease but can help to assess emphysema and SAD in moderate-severe COPD.
Footnotes
Cite this article as Eur Respir J 2022; 60: Suppl. 66, 316.
This article was presented at the 2022 ERS International Congress, in session “-”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2022
