Simple CT scan can predict worsening COPD, study suggests
Monday, September 3, 2012 - 16:00
in Health & Medicine
The respective size of the pulmonary artery compared to the aorta, visible on a CT scan, is a strong predictor of the risk of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to new research from UAB. The research team says that an increase in the size of the pulmonary artery relative to the size of the aorta is a valid indicator that a patient with COPD is at risk for exacerbating their disease. These exacerbations of COPD are associated with accelerated loss of lung function, worsened quality of life and increased risk of death.