title: Lung function, CT-scan and X-ray in upper airway obstruction due to thyroid goitre.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical reliability and to compare routine lung function tests (maximal flows and resistance) and radiological images (computed tomography (CT)-scan and X-ray) in upper airway obstruction. We, therefore, performed these examinations prospectively in 28 female patients (aged 68 +/- 13 yrs) with a goitre and without pulmonary disorders. Lung function measurements consisted of maximum expiratory and inspiratory flow-volume curves and of airway resistance. CT-scans and X-rays were performed during apnoea at functional residual capacity (FRC). Peak expiratory flow was 3.6 +/- 1.3 l.s-1 (i.e. 62 +/- 21% predicted); airway resistance was 0.38 +/- 0.14 kPa (i.e. 149 +/- 58% pred); and specific conductance was 1.0 +/- 0.3 kPa (i.e. 70 +/- 24% pred). Almost all lung function tests were significantly correlated with each other. On CT-scan the tracheal cross-sectional area at the zone of tracheal narrowing could be evaluated in 26 patients and was 58 +/- 17% (CT1/2) of the control area 2 cm above the carina (CT2). On X-ray the sagittal and coronal tracheal diameters at the zone of narrowing could only be measured in 16 subjects and were 60 +/- 17% (X-dia1/2) of the diameter at the control level. CT1/2 and X-dia1/2 were significantly correlated to each other. No correlation was found between the lung function tests and the radiological indices except airway resistance and CT2. Routine lung function and CT-scan do not provide comparable information on the degree of airway obstruction due to a goitre.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors: Dept of Internal Medicine, Municipal Hospital Leyenburg, The Hague, The Netherlands.
authors: C F
authors: CF
authors: Melissant
authors: S J
authors: SJ
authors: Smith
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Perlberger
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Verschakelen
authors: J W
authors: JW
authors: Lammers
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Demedts
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001824:Body Constitution; D005260:Female; D006042:Goiter / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014132:Trachea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*