High-resolution computed tomography in healthy smokers and never-smokers: a 6-year follow-up study of men born in 1933

• Published in: Acta radiologica (1987) Vol. 45; no. 1; p. 44
• Main Authors: Vikgren, J, Boijsen, M, Andelid, K, Ekberg-Jansson, A, Larsson, S, Bake, B, Tylén, U
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-02-2004
• Subjects: Aged; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Smoking; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0284-1851
• DOI: 10.1080/02841850310002970

To elucidate whether emphysematous lesions and other high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings considered associated with smoking are part of a progressive process, and to measure the extent to which similar changes are found in never-smokers.
Healthy smokers and never-smokers were recruited from a randomized epidemiological study and investigated with a 6-year interval. Emphysema, parenchymal and subpleural nodules, ground-glass opacities, bronchial alterations, and septal lines were evaluated in 66 subjects (40 smokers, 11 of whom had stopped smoking in the interval, and 26 never-smokers). Lung function was tested.
All except emphysematous lesions were present to some extent in never-smokers. Emphysema, parenchymal nodules, and septal lines occurred significantly more in current smokers, and a progression in extent of emphysema, ground-glass opacities, bronchial alterations and septal lines was seen. There was no significant change among those who stopped and never-smokers except for bronchial alterations, which progressed in never-smokers.
In healthy, elderly never-smokers a low extent of various HRCT findings has to be considered normal. Emphysema, parenchymal nodules, and ground-glass opacities are indicative of smoking-induced disease. Further progress may cease if smoking is stopped.