[High-resolution computer tomography in cystic fibrosis].

BACKGROUND: Worsening lung disease is the most important factor concerning quality of life and survival rate in the approximately 250 patients with cystic fibrosis in Norway. Pulmonary high-resolution CT has been advocated as a precise diagnostic method, that offers the opportunity to detect slight disease progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 21 patients (age 6-34) with high-resolution CT. The findings were scored using a modified Bhalla method, where score 0 is normal and score 27 reflects a maximal degree of e.g. bronchiectasis and mucous plugging. RESULTS: Mean high-resolution CT score was 8.0 (range 0-22). Bronchiectasis was found in 17 out of 21 patients, peribronchial wall thickening in 15 patients and mucous plugging in 14 patients. The Bhalla score showed a close correlation with forced expiratory volume in one second (r = -0.844, p < 0.01). INTERPRETATION: High-resolution CT characterises very well the lung pathology in patients with cystic fibrosis. The degree of pathology assessed with a modified Bhalla score correlates well with forced expiratory volume in one second.