VERIFICATION OF COPD USING RADIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS

Abstract

Examination data of 60 patients with prolonged (chronic) cough and shortness of breath were analyzed using standard and digital radiography, as well as computed tomography, among which 21 had verified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was differentiated on the basis of a clinical and radiological symptom complex, indicating damage to the small bronchi. Diagnostically significant for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during computed tomography was the symptom of expiratory “air trap” in combination with dilation and deformation of bronchi of various sizes, up to broncho- and bronchiolectasis.