Effect of inhaled corticosteroid therapy on CT scan-estimated airway dimensions in a patient with chronic bronchitis related to ulcerative colitis

Chest. 2011 Apr;139(4):930-932. doi: 10.1378/chest.10-1105.

Abstract

CT scanning allows assessment of airway-wall thickness and is useful for diagnosing and assessing various lung diseases, including asthma and COPD. Several studies have reported that CT scan-estimated dimensions are positively correlated with pulmonary function test results and a positive response to treatment. However, to our knowledge, airway disease complicated by inflammatory bowel disease has not yet been assessed using CT scan-estimated dimensions. A 61-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis (UC) complained of cough, sputum, and fever 4 months after undergoing a total colectomy and rectal mucosectomy. Examination of bronchial biopsy samples demonstrated lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltration of the epithelium and submucosa. CT scan-estimated dimensions indicated thickening of the airways. Chronic bronchitis complicated with UC was diagnosed, and high-dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy was prescribed. Three months later, the CT scan-estimated dimensions of the patient's airways, her symptoms, and pulmonary function test results were dramatically improved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Bronchi*
  • Bronchitis, Chronic / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchitis, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / complications*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids