Emphysema detection by qualitative and quantitative analysis and relationship to spirometric obstruction in an urban comprehensive lung cancer screening programme: the Temple Healthy Chest Initiative (THCI) – a retrospective cohort study

Data from the THCI demonstrates high rates of emphysema as detected by radiologic qualitative interpretation and quantitative analysis. Using a cut-off of ≥6% for LAA at -910 HU, there is a high sensitivity and PPV for associated spirometric obstruction and thus should drive providers to obtain prebronchodilator spirometry to detect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at an earlier stage.