RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Regional hyperinflation in COPD patients: Correlation between lobar hyperinflation and internal flow distribution
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 1657
VO 40
IS Suppl 56
A1 De Backer, Wilfried
A1 Vinchurkar, Samir
A1 Vos, Wim
A1 Van Holsbeke, Cedric
A1 De Backer, Jan
YR 2012
UL https://publications.ersnet.org//content/40/Suppl_56/1657.abstract
AB Background: Diagnosis of COPD patients is mainly based on lung function tests. Severe COPD patients often develop dynamic and static hyperinflation. However, few studies have addressed the association of hyperinflation and internal flow redistribution. This study describes the relation between regional hyperinflation and flow distribution in COPD patients.Methods: Lobar volume levels in COPD patients (n=39, <FEV1>=42.1±2.1 %pred) were determined using functional imaging based on CT data (De Backer J. et al, Radiology 2010; 257(3):854-862). Lobar flow distribution was obtained by calculating the relative difference in the TLC and FRC volumes on the lobar level. The flow distribution towards the different lobes was compared to the imaged based volumes of the corresponding lobes.Results: Statistically significant correlations (R= 0.4, p< 0.04) were observed between lobar flow distribution and lobar volume-hyperinflation with more flow going to more hyperinflated areas.Conclusion: Internal flow is redistributed towards the hyperinflated zones which means that also inhaled medication would mainly go to the hyperinflation areas leaving other areas partially untreated and this may further enhance the observed flow redistribution.