Radiological and functional findings in presence of bullae and blebs

Abstract

AimBullae and blebs are frequently associated with emphysema,but sometimes occur in absence of another associated disease. We aimed to find out the location, size of the bullae and/or blebs detected on computed tomography,accompanying radiological findings and relationship with pul-monary functions.MethodsPatients undergoing CT for various reasons between April 2008-May 2009 were retrospectively evaluated and 171 cases having bullae and/or blebs were included in the study.ResultsStudy population consisted of 125 male and 46 female patients,with a mean age of 63.88(28-90). Bullae were detected in 145(84.8%) and blebs in 112(65.5%). They were multiple in 135(78.9%) and solitary in 36(21.1%). In 27 cases all lung lobes were effected. Accompanying radiological findings were fibrosis, emphysema, peribronchial thickening, pleural thickening, parenchymal nod-ule, ground glass opacity and bronchiectasis Lung function tests(LFT) were noted. When bulla positive and negative groups were compared there was no significant difference in FVC% ve FEV1% , whereas FEF 25-75% and FEV1/FVC were significantly lower in bulla positive group. Bleb positive and negative groups had similar LFT values. When cases with single and multiple bullae and blebs were compared the difference was insignificant in all pa-rameters but FEV1/FVC.ConclusionAs a result presence of bullae, especially when multiple, can effect lung functions,therefore functional evaluation is crucial in cases with radiographic findings.

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