"Emphysema and airways disease COPD GOLD class 1. Mild fibrotic subpleural changes on CT scan".

Can anyone please explain the following quote which is the Diagnosis title on my latest hospital letter: "Emphysema and airways disease COPD GOLD class 1. Mild fibrotic subpleural changes on CT scan". I have also been sent for a blood test for "ANA, rheumatoid factor, serum ACE and Aspergillus studies". I may be thick as I haven't got a clue what it's all about, any help would be appreciated. Thanks Dave.

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Hi

It means that you have mild copd (COPD GOLD class 1) also there are some signs of mild fibrosis - which is why they are going on to do the blood tests to establish a possible cause.

The rheumatoid factor and serum ACE are to do with idetifying any possible multi system condtitions e.g. an autoimmune condtion such as Lupus - also aspergillous is a type of fungal infection that may have been picked up in recent sputum tests. But anyway the blood tets are standard tets when trying to look at possible causes of fibrosis/scarring.

Call the Helpline -03000 030 555 for a chat if need be.

Hope that helps

Mark

[gillwigan]

COPD GOLD .

webmd.com/lung/copd/gold-cr...

Mild fibrotic subpleural changes on CT scan"

ajronline.org/content/185/6....

Cant help with the last one though sorry .

xx Gill .