Tuberc Respir Dis.
2025 Apr;88(2):303-309. 10.4046/trd.2024.0166.
Kernel Conversion Improves the Correlation between the Extent of Emphysema and Clinical Parameters in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Multicenter Cohort Study
- Affiliations
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- 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- 2Division of Pulmonary and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- 3Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- 4Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- 5Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- 6Department of Radiology, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- KMID: 2566185
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2024.0166
Abstract
- Background
Computed tomography (CT) scans are utilized to assess emphysema, a prominent phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Variability in CT protocols and equipment across hospitals can impact accuracy. This study aims to implement kernel conversion across different CT settings and evaluate changes in the correlation between the emphysema index pre- and post-kernel conversion, along with clinical measures in COPD patients.
Methods
Data were extracted from the Korea COPD Subgroup Study database, which included CT scan images from 484 COPD patients. These images underwent kernel conversion. Emphysema extent was quantified using the percentage of low-attenuation areas (%LAA-950) determined by a deep learning-based program. The correlation between %LAA-950 and clinical parameters, including lung function tests, the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), COPD assessment test (CAT), and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD (SGRQ-c), was analyzed. Subsequently, these values were compared across various CT settings.
Results
A total of 484 participants were included. Kernel conversion significantly reduced the variance in %LAA-950 values (before vs. after: 12.6±11.0 vs. 8.8±11.9). Post-kernel conversion, %LAA-950 demonstrated moderate correlations with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (r=–0.41), residual volume/total lung capacity (r=0.42), mMRC (r=0.25), CAT score (r=0.12), SGRQ-c (r=0.21), and 6MWD (r=0.15), all of which were improved compared to the unconverted dataset (all p<0.01).
Conclusion
CT images processed through kernel conversion enhance the correlation between the extent of emphysema and clinical parameters in COPD.
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