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Morphological and functional imaging in COPD with CT and MRI: present and future

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Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. COPD is defined by irreversible airflow obstruction. It is a heterogeneous disease affecting the airways (i.e. chronic bronchitis, airway collapse), the parenchyma (i.e. hyperinflation, air trapping and emphysematous destruction) as well as the vasculature (i.e. hypoxic vasoconstriction, rarefication and pulmonary arterial hypertension) with different severity during the course of the disease. These different aspects of COPD can be best addressed by imaging using a combination of morphological and functional techniques. Three-dimensional high-resolution computed tomography (3D-HRCT) is the technique of choice for morphological imaging of the lung parenchyma and airways. This morphological information is to be accomplished by functional information about perfusion, regional lung mechanics, and ventilation mainly provided by MRI. The comprehensive diagnostic possibilities of CT complemented by MRI will allow for a more sensitive detection, phenotype-driven characterization and dedicated therapy monitoring of COPD as presented in this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology (E010), German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Julia Ley-Zaporozhan, Sebastian Ley & Hans-Ulrich Kauczor

  2. Department of Pediatric Radiology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 153, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Sebastian Ley

  3. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Hospital, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany

    Julia Ley-Zaporozhan

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  1. Julia Ley-Zaporozhan
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Correspondence to Julia Ley-Zaporozhan.

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Ley-Zaporozhan, J., Ley, S. & Kauczor, HU. Morphological and functional imaging in COPD with CT and MRI: present and future. Eur Radiol 18, 510–521 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-007-0772-1

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