European radiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Emphysema progression is visually detectable in low-dose CT in continuous but not in former smokers.
To evaluate interobserver agreement and time-trend in chest CT assessment of emphysema, airways, and interstitial abnormalities in a lung cancer screening cohort. ⋯ • Substantial interobserver consistency in determining early-stage emphysema in low-dose CT. • Longitudinal analyses show clear time-trends for emphysema presence and grading. • For continuous smokers, progression of emphysema was seen in all lung zones. • For former smokers, progression of emphysema was undetectable by visual assessment. • Onset and progression of interstitial abnormalities are visually detectable.