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What Does My CT Chest Scan Report Indicate?
Question: Hello.....Just got results from a CT Chest scan, after PFT's with "normal lung volumes" and "lung diffusion capacities"....but FEV1/FVC 67%......scan results from radiologist stated "normal, with minimal emphysematic change"......cannot see PCP for awhile.....should I interpret this as meaning I have emphysema?.....very concerned.....
Brief Answer:
You have early changes of emphysema and it is not a serious concern
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read your query in detail.
With an experience in reporting chest CT scans regularly I wish to help you in understanding your condition. Your findings do not suggest a serious concern. However please allow me to explain the findings and its relation to the lung function tests.
As per recent guidelines, the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is made when the FEV1/FVC ratio is less than 70 percent and the FEV1 is less than 80% of predicted value. Since your FEV1/ FVC is 67 percent, it is marginally below the definition of normal and therefore shows only minimal changes of COPD. COPD is a broad term including emphysema and other conditions leading to obstruction in the passage of air from the lungs leading to air trapping.
This above result of FEV1/ FVC is reflected in the CT scan chest findings where findings of minimal emphysematous change is there in the lungs.
The significant emphysematous changes cause air trapping in the lungs and is a much severe condition than what your findings suggest. There are various types of emphysema seen in the CT scan like pan lobular emphysema where most of the lung lobules are involved and centriacinar emphysema where the lungs are involved towards the central portion of the chest. You do not have any of these findings and therefore there is no serious concern.
The mild emphysematous changes mean the changes of emphysema are at the beginning stage and not a reason to worry. If you are a smoker then it is suggested that you reduce your smoking habit. Considering the severity of emphysematous changes, it is at the lower limit of disease from your CT scan and the FEV1/ FVC ratio.
Your PCP might give you medications to treat any respiratory symptoms that you have. Please avoid dust and smoke.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
You have early changes of emphysema and it is not a serious concern
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read your query in detail.
With an experience in reporting chest CT scans regularly I wish to help you in understanding your condition. Your findings do not suggest a serious concern. However please allow me to explain the findings and its relation to the lung function tests.
As per recent guidelines, the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is made when the FEV1/FVC ratio is less than 70 percent and the FEV1 is less than 80% of predicted value. Since your FEV1/ FVC is 67 percent, it is marginally below the definition of normal and therefore shows only minimal changes of COPD. COPD is a broad term including emphysema and other conditions leading to obstruction in the passage of air from the lungs leading to air trapping.
This above result of FEV1/ FVC is reflected in the CT scan chest findings where findings of minimal emphysematous change is there in the lungs.
The significant emphysematous changes cause air trapping in the lungs and is a much severe condition than what your findings suggest. There are various types of emphysema seen in the CT scan like pan lobular emphysema where most of the lung lobules are involved and centriacinar emphysema where the lungs are involved towards the central portion of the chest. You do not have any of these findings and therefore there is no serious concern.
The mild emphysematous changes mean the changes of emphysema are at the beginning stage and not a reason to worry. If you are a smoker then it is suggested that you reduce your smoking habit. Considering the severity of emphysematous changes, it is at the lower limit of disease from your CT scan and the FEV1/ FVC ratio.
Your PCP might give you medications to treat any respiratory symptoms that you have. Please avoid dust and smoke.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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