Treatment for patients suffering from mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could be improved through the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) according to new research.
Researchers found that both MRI and CT measurements helped explain symptoms in the patients that were unable to be explained using traditional methods alone. The researchers studied the lung capacity, quality of life, and exercise tolerance of 116 people with COPD. Subjects also underwent conventional CT and MRI scans to visualize air spaces inside their lungs.
The researchers believe they can look at patients with mild COPD more carefully and create a better treatment plan.
Original research paper published in the Radiology on July 7, 2015.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
Grace Parraga, University of Western Ontario, Ontario
