title: A possible genetic influence in parenchyma and small airway changes in COPD: a pilot study of twins using HRCT.
abstract: Genetic effects that contribute to the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been reported. Our purpose was to estimate the possible genetic influence on CT features related to COPD in twins.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two COPD-discordant and one COPD-concordant monozygotic (MZ) twin pair, in addition to 2 control dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs underwent a low-dose high resolution computer tomography (HRCT) in inspiration and expiration (Philips Brilliance 16).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Monozygotic twins were more similar in lung volume expiration and in air trapping score compared to dizygotics (382 cm(3) vs. 2303 cm(3) and 17.6% vs. 26.6%, respectively). In general, MZ twin pairs showed almost identical HRCT features independently of smoking attitude and COPD status. The dizygotic twin pairs showed larger differences in HRCT features compared to MZ twins.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lung parenchymal and small airway changes (lung density, presence of bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis and/or mucus plug formation, air trapping and emphysema score) seem to be genetically associated traits, independently of smoking/COPD history. A future study with a larger sample size should confirm our findings.
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis University Department of Radiology and Oncotherapy Üllői út 78/a H-1082 Budapest Hungary.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Tarnoki
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis University Department of Radiology and Oncotherapy Üllői út 78/a H-1082 Budapest Hungary.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Tarnoki
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis University Department of Pulmonology Budapest Hungary.
authors.forename: Zs
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Lazar
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis University Department of Radiology and Oncotherapy Üllői út 78/a H-1082 Budapest Hungary.
authors.forename: Cs
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Korom
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis University Department of Radiology and Oncotherapy Üllői út 78/a H-1082 Budapest Hungary.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Berczi
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis University Department of Pulmonology Budapest Hungary.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Horvath
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Karlinger
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D045853:Exhalation; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D010641:Phenotype; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic / Q000235:genetics*; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic / Q000235:genetics*; D014797:Vital Capacity
keywords: air trapping; emphysema; lung parenchyma; small airway; twin study