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Centrilobular emphysema - severe

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Shortness of breath developing during exertion. She is a heavy smoker. FEV1/FVC < 70%.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Female

CT Chest

ct

Lucent regions with imperceptible walls involving the upper lobes, and superior segments of the lower lobes bilaterally. Is clear the presence of centrilobular emphysema in the upper zones of the lungs. Also noted small bubbles of paraseptal emphysema.  

Case Discussion

This patient is a Stage II: moderate COPD. The diagnosis of COPD is through spirometry. 

Pulmonary emphysema is defined as the "abnormal permanent enlargement of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles accompanied by destruction of the alveolar wall and without obvious fibrosis".

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