title: Computed tomography in pre-operative assessment of bullous emphysema.
abstract: Nine patients with bullous emphysema for which surgery was being considered have been investigated with computed tomography (CT). In six out of nine patients (67%) CT showed more extensive disease or bilateral disease where only unilateral was suspected from postero-anterior and lateral chest radiographs. Only one patient proceeded to surgery and post-operative CT showed satisfactory re-expansion of the compressed lung. Surgery was abandoned in one patient as a result of the CT findings. Computed tomography is of value in patients with bullous emphysema in assessing the extent of disease and may assist the surgeon in operative planning.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed