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What Does This CT Scan Showing Emphysema Indicate?
Question: I just had a CT scan following an abnormal chest x-Ray. I had a severe pleural effusion & hemothorax in November 2014 following surgery for gastric ulcers. The hemotorax was as a result of a spleen injury and I'd also have some work on my diaphragm. Since the resolution of the PE, I have had progressive SOB. The CT scan stated Predominant Centrilobular Emphysema. I have not yet seen my PCP, but have access to the report. What exactly, in you capacity does that mean?
Brief Answer:
There is permanent enlargement of tiny air spaces in upper lobes of lungs
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Emphysema is a condition involving abnormal permanent enlargement of the airspaces beyond the small airways (called terminal bronchioles). This is accompanied by destruction of the tiny air sacs and without obvious fibrosis.
2. Centrilobular is the area of lung involved and this is the commonest pattern of emphysema. It involves the proximal respiratory bronchioles in upper lobes and is persistently associated with history of smoking.
3. Therefore you have a condition which is described as permanent abnormal enlargement of air sacs in upper lobes of lungs.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
There is permanent enlargement of tiny air spaces in upper lobes of lungs
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Emphysema is a condition involving abnormal permanent enlargement of the airspaces beyond the small airways (called terminal bronchioles). This is accompanied by destruction of the tiny air sacs and without obvious fibrosis.
2. Centrilobular is the area of lung involved and this is the commonest pattern of emphysema. It involves the proximal respiratory bronchioles in upper lobes and is persistently associated with history of smoking.
3. Therefore you have a condition which is described as permanent abnormal enlargement of air sacs in upper lobes of lungs.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answer. I was a long time smoker, much to my regret. I quit 10 years ago. Other than arthritis in my hips, gastric ulcers, fatigue, and chronic anemia, I am actually fairly healthy and very active. I am continuing to stay as active as I can by walking 5-8 miles x5 days a week, both for focused exercise and the nature of my job.
I know that I am basically responsible for this condition, but I am leaning towards the belief that my bilateral pleural effusion, several chest tubes, and subsequent left thoracic surgery to clear out the thickened fluid in the thoracic cavity & to manually re-inflate my lung may have exacerbated the emphysema that had not really been problematic. Would I be correct in this belief?
What else can I do to better manage my symptoms until I can follow up with my PCP? We will also be addressing a 1.6 cm cyst located in the lower right lobe, and a 2cm nodule on my adrenal gland.
I know that it is difficult to give more specific information without seeing the pictures or report, but I very much appreciate the information that you have provided.
Thank You
XXXXX
I know that I am basically responsible for this condition, but I am leaning towards the belief that my bilateral pleural effusion, several chest tubes, and subsequent left thoracic surgery to clear out the thickened fluid in the thoracic cavity & to manually re-inflate my lung may have exacerbated the emphysema that had not really been problematic. Would I be correct in this belief?
What else can I do to better manage my symptoms until I can follow up with my PCP? We will also be addressing a 1.6 cm cyst located in the lower right lobe, and a 2cm nodule on my adrenal gland.
I know that it is difficult to give more specific information without seeing the pictures or report, but I very much appreciate the information that you have provided.
Thank You
XXXXX
Brief Answer:
The medicine albuterol is recommended for your condition
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. The doctor has given you the right medicine. Albuterol is a selective beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator and helps in keeping the airways open. Centriacinar emphysema is treated with this class of medicine.
2. Stopping smoking is important and good to hear that you so not smoke any more.
3. Having an active life is encouraged and please carry the albuterol inhaler with you should you have any acute breathlessness.
4. It is less likely to be significantly related to the treatment of pleural effusion and manual re inflation of the lung. Smoking is the most probable factor in your development of centriacinar emphysema at present.
5. The main treatment includes taking medicines like short and long-acting beta-2 agonists, inhaled anticholinergics, inhaled glucocorticoids or antibiotics depending on the exacerbation of symptoms. You have stopped smoking and that was important to slow the progression of disease. Oxygen therapy and lung rehabilitation are suggested for severe symptoms.
6. The 1.6 cm cyst in right lung lower lobe is not a significant problem.
7. The 2 cm nodule in adrenal requires attention and probably follow up and detailed evaluation.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
The medicine albuterol is recommended for your condition
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. The doctor has given you the right medicine. Albuterol is a selective beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator and helps in keeping the airways open. Centriacinar emphysema is treated with this class of medicine.
2. Stopping smoking is important and good to hear that you so not smoke any more.
3. Having an active life is encouraged and please carry the albuterol inhaler with you should you have any acute breathlessness.
4. It is less likely to be significantly related to the treatment of pleural effusion and manual re inflation of the lung. Smoking is the most probable factor in your development of centriacinar emphysema at present.
5. The main treatment includes taking medicines like short and long-acting beta-2 agonists, inhaled anticholinergics, inhaled glucocorticoids or antibiotics depending on the exacerbation of symptoms. You have stopped smoking and that was important to slow the progression of disease. Oxygen therapy and lung rehabilitation are suggested for severe symptoms.
6. The 1.6 cm cyst in right lung lower lobe is not a significant problem.
7. The 2 cm nodule in adrenal requires attention and probably follow up and detailed evaluation.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
You did. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Welcome and thanks for sending in your query.
Should you have any more health queries and would like me to answer them then please mention "Query Id 205986 DR XXXXXXX CHAIL" in your query and the moderators will direct it to me. I will reply back to you at the earliest.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr XXXXXXX
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Welcome and thanks for sending in your query.
Should you have any more health queries and would like me to answer them then please mention "Query Id 205986 DR XXXXXXX CHAIL" in your query and the moderators will direct it to me. I will reply back to you at the earliest.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr XXXXXXX
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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