Emphysema Detected on Low-Dose CT Scans Can Predict Long-Term Mortality Risks
A recent study finds that emphysema visible on low-dose CT scans used for lung cancer screening can predict increased mortality risk over 25 years, especially from COPD and respiratory diseases.
Recent research has highlighted the significance of emphysema visible on low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans used for lung cancer screening, indicating its strong association with increased risk of death over the following 25 years. The study, conducted by a team led by Jessica González Gutiérrez from the Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria University Hospital in Madrid, analyzed data from a large cohort of adults aged 40 to 85 with a history of smoking. Participants underwent baseline LDCT scans, and over a median follow-up period of 23.3 years, researchers observed that approximately 29.1% exhibited signs of emphysema, with varying degrees of severity.
The findings revealed that the presence of emphysema was an independent predictor of mortality from all causes, including death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Specifically, emphysema increased the hazard of death from any cause by 29%, from COPD by over three times, and from CVD by 14%. The severity of emphysema correlated with a higher risk of death from COPD and overall causes, though no clear dose-response pattern was noted for cardiovascular mortality.
Further analysis indicated that emphysema significantly predicted mortality from COPD but not from CVD when accounting for other factors, emphasizing its role as a disease marker. Dr. Claudia I. Henschke from Mount Sinai Hospital commented on the findings, emphasizing that emphysema should not be viewed as an incidental CT finding but as a distinct disease entity linked to poorer health outcomes and increased mortality risks from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
This study underscores the importance of recognizing emphysema on routine LDCT scans, suggesting it can serve as a valuable prognostic indicator for long-term health risks in smoking history patients. The research also highlights the potential benefits of early detection and intervention in managing these patients’ health outcomes.
For more detailed insights, see the original publication in the journal Radiology (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-emphysema-dose-ct-screening-mortality.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Preoperative Palliative Care Needs Lead to Higher Post-Surgery Healthcare Utilization in Older Adults with Serious Illness
Older adults with serious preoperative illnesses have significantly higher healthcare utilization and costs after elective surgery, highlighting the need for integrated palliative care strategies to improve outcomes.
Innovative Approach to Understanding and Managing CAR T Cell Therapy Toxicities
A new strategic framework, IAGO, has been proposed to systematically address and reduce the side effects associated with expanding applications of CAR T cell therapy, improving patient safety and outcomes.
Unlocking the Human Repairempore: A DNA 'Scar' Catalog to Personalize Cancer Therapy
Discover the 'human repairome,' a comprehensive DNA scar catalog that could revolutionize personalized cancer therapies by revealing how cells repair DNA damage. Developed by CNIO researchers, this resource offers new insights into DNA repair mechanisms and cancer resistance.
Innovative Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Targets Newly Discovered Protein
Researchers develop a groundbreaking treatment targeting a newly identified protein in pancreatic cancer, showing promising results in preclinical studies to combat this deadly disease.