Chest CT Appearances

Pulmonary Emphysema CT Findings

• Small or large areas of low attenuation that are evenly distributed
• Ill-defined borders
• Pseudo-wall ~ 1mm thickness
• Vessels in center of emphysema

Other Information About Pulmonary Emphysema

Etiology:

• Smoking
• Air pollution (exterior and interior)

Epidemiology:

• Cigarette smokers are most commonly affected by emphysema

Presentation:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Cough
• Chest tightness
• Tachypnea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Prognosis:

• Emphysema has no cure but symptoms can be managed
• Comorbidities and complications increase likelihood of mortality