Computed tomography in pre-operative assessment of bullous emphysema.

Nine patients with bullous emphysema for which surgery was being considered have been investigated with computed tomography (CT). In six out of nine patients (67%) CT showed more extensive disease or bilateral disease where only unilateral was suspected from postero-anterior and lateral chest radiographs. Only one patient proceeded to surgery and post-operative CT showed satisfactory re-expansion of the compressed lung. Surgery was abandoned in one patient as a result of the CT findings. Computed tomography is of value in patients with bullous emphysema in assessing the extent of disease and may assist the surgeon in operative planning.