Multiscanner Comparison of UHCT for Small Airway Disease in Emphysema Patients Compared With Quantitative Expiratory CT Parameters

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (UHCT) in assessing small airway disease (SAD) in patients with emphysema and analyse its correlation with quantitative expiratory CT parameters, while comparing the performance of different CT systems. METHODS: In this prospective study, 120 emphysema patients underwent CT scanning using 3 different systems: GE Revolution CT (256-slice), Philips IQon Elite Spectral CT, and GE Discovery CT750 HD (64-slice). Small airway measurements were performed from the third to seventh-generation airways, and quantitative CT parameters were analysed. RESULTS: The GE Revolution CT (256-slice) enabled visualization of airways up to the seventh generation in 82% of cases, compared with 68% using Philips IQon Elite Spectral CT and 53% using GE Discovery CT750 HD ( P