Evaluating the Utility of High-Resolution Computed Tomography of Thorax and its Correlation with Spirometric Indices in Patients with Emphysema-Predominant Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the preferred modality for identifying key morphological features of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Objectives: To evaluate and identify the correlation between quantitative and qualitative HRCT features in patients with emphysema and various spirometric parameters. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five COPD patients presenting to the Department of Radiodiagnosis underwent thoracic HRCT scans. Tracheal index (TI), thoracic cage ratio (TCR), retrosternal distance (RSD), thoracic cross-sectional area/height2 (TCSA/ht2), vascular attenuation, vascular distortion, and directly visible small airways were evaluated. Correlations between these HRCT parameters and spirometric indices such as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), Tiffeneau–Pinelli index (FEV1/FVC), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were determined. Results: Comparing HRCT parameters with spirometric indices revealed a significant direct correlation between TI and FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and PEFR (P