[High-resolution computer tomography in cystic fibrosis].
BACKGROUND
Worsening lung disease is the most important factor concerning quality of life and survival rate in the approximately 250 patients with cystic fibrosis in Norway. Pulmonary high-resolution CT has been advocated as a precise diagnostic method, that offers the opportunity to detect slight disease progression.


METHODS
We examined 21 patients (age 6-34) with high-resolution CT. The findings were scored using a modified Bhalla method, where score 0 is normal and score 27 reflects a maximal degree of e.g. bronchiectasis and mucous plugging.


RESULTS
Mean high-resolution CT score was 8.0 (range 0-22). Bronchiectasis was found in 17 out of 21 patients, peribronchial wall thickening in 15 patients and mucous plugging in 14 patients. The Bhalla score showed a close correlation with forced expiratory volume in one second (r = -0.844, p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
High-resolution CT characterises very well the lung pathology in patients with cystic fibrosis. The degree of pathology assessed with a modified Bhalla score correlates well with forced expiratory volume in one second.
Barneklinikken, Haukeland Sykehus, 5021 Bergen. ludger.dorloechter@haukeland.no
Ludger
L
Dorlöchter
Ola D
OD
Røksund
Gjermund
G
Fluge
Karen
K
Rosendahl
D000328:Adult; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*