Abstract
Changes in intrathoracic tracheal dimensions and shape in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are commonly noted, but the cause is not clear. This study reveals a significantly larger lateral tracheal diameter (LTD) in patients with COPD. The larger LTD has a significant positive linear correlation with a larger lateral chest diameter. This finding supports the hypothesis that in patients with COPD the increase in volume of both lungs pressing on the mediastinum will exert a lateral pressure on the trachea, resulting in a decrease in frontal and an increase in the lateral trachea diameter. Patients with COPD have a smaller tracheal index: FTD/LTD (FTD: frontal tracheal diameter). Saber-sheath trachea (tracheal index < 2/3) is a specific radiographic diagnostic parameter for the diagnosis of COPD (specificity, 92.9%), although the sensitivity (39.1%) is low.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 30-34 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of the Formosan Medical Association |
| Volume | 93 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - 01 1994 |
| Externally published | Yes |