Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the airway has been proposed as a potential anatomical marker for assessing the severity of airflow obstruction in COPD patients. However, the relationship between CSA and lung function in COPD patients remains insufficiently explored. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the correlation between the cross-sectional area of the airway and lung function in COPD patients. We hypothesize that reduced CSA is associated with poorer lung function, as measured by standard spirometry parameters. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 200 COPD patients recruited from outpatient clinics. Inclusion criteria were a confirmed diagnosis of COPD according to the GOLD guidelines, age above 40 years, and smoking history. Exclusion criteria included a history of asthma, lung cancer, or other significant pulmonary conditions. CSA was measured using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans at the level of the segmental bronchi. Lung function was assessed through spirometry, measuring Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Statistical analysis involved Pearson correlation coefficients to assess the relationship between CSA and spirometry parameters. Results: The mean age of participants was 65.4 years, with a predominance of male subjects (70%). The analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between CSA and FEV1 (r = -0.65, p < 0.001), FVC (r = -0.58, p < 0.001), and the FEV1/FVC ratio (r = -0.42, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that a smaller CSA is associated with worse lung function in COPD patients. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant correlation between the cross-sectional area of the airway and lung function in COPD patients, supporting the hypothesis that airway narrowing is associated with the severity of airflow limitation. These findings highlight the potential of CSA measured via HRCT as a non-invasive marker for assessing disease severity in COPD. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the prognostic value of CSA in predicting COPD progression and response to therapy.

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