Ductectasia; An Asymptomatic Pulmonary Change Related to Age

Tn, Vincent; Rs, Mitchell; Gf, Filley; Ga, Dart; Lm, Harris; Tl, Petty; Sf, Ryan

doi:10.1159/000386178

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…These changes, which may also be the result of environmental pollutants rather than aging alone (Thurlbeck 1995), include dilatation of alveolar ducts and respiratory bronchioles without obvious destruction of the alveolar wall (Ryan et al 1965). This is not referred to as emphysema, since emphysema is defined as an abnormal enlargement of the air space accompanied by destruction of the alveolar walls.…”

Section: Aging Lungmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is not referred to as emphysema, since emphysema is defined as an abnormal enlargement of the air space accompanied by destruction of the alveolar walls. In contrast to dilatation of alveolar ducts and respiratory bronchioles, the size of the alveoli is reduced, a process that has been referred to as “ductectasia” (Ryan et al 1965) (Figures 24, 25). This aging change is reflected in the “rounds out” configuration of the lung in which the anteroposterior diameter is increased (Anderson et al 1964).…”

Section: Aging Lungmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Imaging of pulmonary emphysema: A pictorial review

Takahashi

Fukuoka²,

Nitta³

et al. 2008

COPD

102

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The term ‘emphysema’ is generally used in a morphological sense, and therefore imaging modalities have an important role in diagnosing this disease. In particular, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a reliable tool for demonstrating the pathology of emphysema, even in subtle changes within secondary pulmonary lobules. Generally, pulmonary emphysema is classified into three types related to the lobular anatomy: centrilobular emphysema, panlobular emphysema, and paraseptal emphysema. In this pictorial review, we discuss the radiological – pathological correlation in each type of pulmonary emphysema. HRCT of early centrilobular emphysema shows an evenly distributed centrilobular tiny areas of low attenuation with ill-defined borders. With enlargement of the dilated airspace, the surrounding lung parenchyma is compressed, which enables observation of a clear border between the emphysematous area and the normal lung. Because the disease progresses from the centrilobular portion, normal lung parenchyma in the perilobular portion tends to be preserved, even in a case of far-advanced pulmonary emphysema. In panlobular emphysema, HRCT shows either panlobular low attenuation or ill-defined diffuse low attenuation of the lung. Paraseptal emphysema is characterized by subpleural well-defined cystic spaces. Recent topics related to imaging of pulmonary emphysema will also be discussed, including morphometry of the airway in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, combined pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary emphysema, and bronchogenic carcinoma associated with bullous lung disease.

show abstract

Section: Aging Lungmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Aging Lungmentioning

confidence: 99%

Imaging of pulmonary emphysema: A pictorial review

Takahashi

Fukuoka²,

Nitta³

et al. 2008

COPD

102

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The Denver studies also identified the lesion of duct ectasia (ie, an unwinding of alveolar ducts due to loss of elastic recoil) in nonsymptomatic aged individuals (Ryan et al 1965). …”

Section: Structure/structure–function Relations In Copdmentioning

confidence: 99%

The history of COPD

Petty¹

2006

International Journal of COPD

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The evolution of knowledge concerning COPD and its components – emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthmatic bronchitis – covers 200 years. The stethoscope and spirometer became important early tools in diagnosis and assessment. Spirometry remains the most effective means of identification and assessment of the course of COPD and responses to therapy, and is grossly underused for this purpose. Knowledge of the pathogenesis, course and prognosis, and new approaches to therapy have dramatically improved our understanding of this important clinical entity. Smoking cessation improves the early course of disease. Long-term oxygen improves the length and quality of life in selected patients with hypoxemia. Surgery benefits a select few. Today, COPD is a steadily growing global healthcare problem, with increasing morbidity and mortality. Early identification and prevention, and treatment of emerging stages of disease through smoking cessation and a growing number of bronchoactive drugs promises to change the outcome.

show abstract