How Are CT Scans Used in Detecting COPD?

CT scans detect COPD To diagnose an individual with COPD, a potential patient must undergo a simple breathing test called spirometry. However, in some cases, one’s healthcare provider will perform medical imaging, a form of testing that result in a visual depiction of the patient’s lungs. In such cases, an imaging test, such as chest x-ray, CT scan, or an ECG may be used to identify other potential causes of COPD symptoms and confirm one’s diagnosis.

Computerized tomography scan, or CT scan, is a form of imaging that takes detailed pictures of the lungs. Though similar in function to an X-ray, a CT scan can take a number of smaller pictures whereas an X-ray can only take larger photos. Consequently, the CT scan is the most sensitive and accurate option in detecting and measuring emphysema. A CT scan can pick up characteristics that a normal X-ray can miss like specific damage to the lungs directly caused by emphysema, small lung nodules, or even small lung cancers. Additionally, a high resolution CT scan is also excellent at detecting and determining the severity of bronchiectasis. another lung disease that falls under the scope of COPD. In bronchiectasis, the lung’s bronchial tubes are damaged and expanded. Thickening of the bronchial walls can also be seen with the CT scan. This helps determine how much chronic bronchitis is present in the lungs.

The COPD Foundation has been made aware of a study at the National Institutes of Health that is designed to determine whether low does CT scans can be as effective as standard CT scans. If you are an individual currently diagnosed with COPD and interested in learning more, please call 1-877-NIH-LUNG, and press option #3. Information related to travel reimbursement can be obtained from the study coordinators.

11 Comments

You need to login to comment.

annie wi

My Pulmonologist used CT scans to monitor my COPD yearly. PFT tests were also done yearly. He teaches at a University Hospital. He stopped doing this about five years ago when my insurance company started the policy of requiring special approval for CT, and MRI scans. They couldn't spend hours filling out paperwork. At times a small mistake would warrant them having to back to redo it. I wondered if this was a tactic for the company to save money, and this was actually a very expensive policy.

It would be interesting to know how many COPD patients are allowed to have CT scans done.
Reply
- jennifer nulph
  
  Keep in mind different doctors do things differently, but In the pulmonology practice I work with CT scans are not used to track COPD; instead spirometry and PFTs are used. CT scans are used to track lung cancer risk and known pulmonary nodules, and also interstitial diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. If the diagnosis given as a reason for ordering the CT scan was COPD, maybe that is why insurance turned it down. If your MD was actually using the CT to track something else (like a pulmonary nodule), then that should be used as the diagnosis for the test.
  
  It is time consuming and a real pain in the neck, but a large part of what the office staff at every doctors office does is work with insurance companies on these very issues. Sometimes the insurance denials defy logic. Is it a tactic to save money? If so, it might save them money, but it may cost you in the long run, and the doctors office has to pay staff a lot of money to sit on the phone with insurance companies for hours every day.
  Reply
- I have ct scans done annually but it is not related to my COPD, it is because I have nodules and a history of smoking that unfortunately qualifies me. The scans are for lung cancer screening, not my emphysema. The PFT provides a measurement of obstruction, air trapping, and your diffusion, the things your pulmonologist really needs. My pulmonologist looks at the scans but in terms of my COPD she puts more emphasis on the PFTs and our conversation; how I am feeling and how my exercise is going.
  Reply
- pammy68
  
  We were told that a Low level CT scan done once a year was a good idea just to see what was happening. That the cost was $99. That's not to bad.
  
  Reply
Kristen Willard

Does anyone know if these machines are all open at the front and the back? Seems people would be more likely to follow up on referrals if they were, particularly if being enclosed makes them anxious.
Reply
- judg69
  
  Hi Kristen, I have had more CT scans than I can count , and to the best of my memory they have all been open at the front and back . The MRI's and PET scans I believe have also all been open at both ends. Best Regards, judg69
  Reply
- Kristen,
  Mine was something like a donut that went around my chest. It also scans the thyroid so it is close to your head but my head wasn’t in it. I didn’t have a sense of being enclosed in anything.
  
  It is fast, very fast, just a few deep breaths and done.
  Reply
- Kristen Willard
  
  Thanks judg69 and Clipper!
  Reply
- das23
  
  Hi Kristen, I had a CT scan today. Pretty easy. I lie on my back with my arms up over my head. It is open front and back. The machine slides you into the scanner -take a breath-hold it -- 3 or 4 times.
  Not bad at all. AND the good news for me is no further damage to my lungs in the last year. That's what not smoking will get ya
  Reply
Steve47

99 bucks!
Wow just paid NZ$975 for one as the alternative is a never ending waiting list through the health service.
Reply