Association of low attenuation area scores with pulmonary function and clinical prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between low attenuation area (LAA) scores, pulmonary function parameters, and clinical prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD patients were divided into four LAA-based grades. Various lung function parameters were measured and correlated with LAA scores. Patient symptoms were examined using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and exercise capacity using the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Statistical analysis determined the significance of differences. Higher levels of LAA were associated with decreased lung function and airflow limitations, suggesting a positive relationship between the two. Clinical symptom scores increased as COPD severity based on LAA stratification worsened. Reduced exercise capacity was shown by a substantial decline in 6MWT scores as COPD severity increased. As LAA scores increased, SGRQ scores increased, indicating a decreased quality of life (QOL). The study demonstrated a relationship between LAA scores and COPD severity. High LAA scores were associated with poor lung function, worse clinical symptoms, limited exercise capacity, and lower QOL. These findings show that LAA scores are clinically relevant for disease severity assessment and COPD management. Further research is required to determine LAA scores’ prognostic significance in disease progression and treatment response to enhance COPD therapy.