CT Scan vs Spirometry

[jimmymumu]

Hi. I was diagnosed 13 years ago via CT scan and spirometry. my fev1 was 65% at the time. After making lifestyle changes, I now find my fev1 to be 54% yet following my recent lung health check, according to their CT scan, it showed as mild. Why is there a difference between the fev1 indicating moderate and the CT scan saying mild?

[B0xermad]

Hi its possible that the spirometry gives a breathing rating and the ct scan doesn't show results in the same way,I recently did a spirometry and it showed no degeneration in my copd since 2014 but ct shows lungs as mild still as when I first was diagnosed back then but still get chest infections and flare ups taking multiple medicines to keep it from progressing. Hopefully someone will be able to give you some more information.

[soulsaver]

Because CT scan shows extent of damage and spiro shows effect on breathing.

[Hidden]

FEV1 shows how much air can be forced out of the lungs in one secondCt scan shows an in depth picture of the damage to the lungs.

There are scales for each tests which determine whether the results are mild etc.

[jimmymumu in reply to Hidden]

I just thought that the fev1 rate was used to determine whether the stage you were at, mild moderate etc, that's why i was confused by the mild determination from my ct scan. Now i don't understand where I'm at, if you get me

[Hidden in reply to jimmymumu]

Yes I do get you. I have bronchiectasis and frankly don't bother with these numbers because our bronch specialists don't seem as bothered with what 'stage' we are at as those treating copd. . It seems that what is shown on the ct still shows as mild for copd and it could be that the 54% also shows as mild on the scale that your resp con uses even though it has dropped. Hopefully someone with long term copd will come along and tell you. The main thing is that you are staying well and have the treatment that ensures that you do.

[jimmymumu in reply to Hidden]

Yeah I totally get you. I don't generally bother with numbers either, this recent ct scan just unnerved me a little. I shall carry on as I were and just watch what I need to do. Thanks for your help

[Hidden in reply to jimmymumu]

We all get the wobbles now and then. If our medics explained properly it would save us a lot of unnecessary worrying.

[Ern007]

Hi jimmymumu - I am puzzled a bit with your post. First years ago when I was diagnosed, a CT scan was not used, I had an X Ray and GP listen to breathing sounds then hospital had a lung function machine - You sat in a cockpit type contraption at 80 C and had a number of tests, Then spirometry.

CT scans show damage, thickening (scaring) ect but not COPD stage,

Spirometry works on your breathing ability along with peak flow.

CT scans just show damage .

Your FEV 1 Shows how your breathing is affected - You started with FEV 1 at 65% and FEV 1 at 54% Which is moderate how your COPD has affected your breathing,

So as I see it and I am no doctor.

Reading your post the CT Scan is showing your COPD as mild - But the FEV1 numbers show your breathing and being stage moderate,

My last spirometry test showed I was 48% the last time over 6 years ago - That was moderate,

CT Scans of late show I have lung damage (Scars) but am not allowed spirometry anymore so I don't know my true stage.

Long post sorry but was trying to explain how it works.. - I never got confused because what I got was just "spirometry" results and Peak Flow.

[jimmymumu in reply to Ern007]

My original diagnosis followed what seemed like an endless list of tests, I had clubbing following a bout of pneumonia, that my doctor had noticed , he sent me for an x-ray, and from there he could see some lung damage. I got referred to a specialist who requested a ct then spirometry. The ct scan indicated emphysema and lung fibrosis. My spirometry showed a lowered lung function.

I went back a week later and was told what I needed to do to slow progression, and did what was needed. Up until covid I was having yearly spirometry tests as my doctor had request.

That basically is how I got here. My specialist never explained the difference between the two and what the results meant

[Kristicats]

it depends who is interpreting the results?

However it is usual in U.K. to go by the FEV1 score for guidance re stages .

Some consultants may look at a scan and say mild ( to them) even though the spirometry says different.

I feel it’s best to keep a check on FEV1 for a better picture.

CT scans are only normally offered if there is a rapid decline or e.g. a severe infection or coughing up blood.

[jimmymumu in reply to Kristicats]

That makes perfect sense . Thank you