High Resolution Computed Tomography Findings in Patients with Persistent Asthma

Abstract

Background: Structural changes of airways can be detected by high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) in asthmatics especially those with persistent asthma. The aim of this study was to detect these airways changes and their relationship with the duration and severity of the disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 80 patients with persistent asthma. The patients were classified into two groups; severe and non-severe persistent asthma. HRCT scan was done for all patients, and radiological changes were classified into reversible (mucoid impaction, consolidation and lobar collapse) and irreversible changes (bronchiectasis, bronchial wall-thickening and emphysema). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 18) was used for data entry and analysis with appropriate statistical tests. P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: In this study, 28 patients out of 80 patients (35%) had severe and 52 patients (65%) had non-severe persistent asthma. Irreversible changes were detected in 100% of patients with severe, and 57.7% of patients with non-severe persistent asthma, (P = 0.0001). Reversible changes were found in 42.9% of patients with severe and 42.3% of patients with non-severe persistent asthma (p=0.9732). In asthmatic patients, radiological changes on HRCT scan correlates directly with the severity and the duration of the disease.