Predicting Lung Function Decline in COPD via One-Year CT Emphysema Subtype Progression: Insights from SPIROMICS

One-year progression of CT emphysema subtypes, specifically combined bronchitic-apical emphysema (CBaE) and diffuse emphysema, independently predicts subsequent accelerated FEV₁ decline in smokers with and without COPD.
Standard quantitative CT measures of emphysema also correlate with lung function decline but lack independent predictive power when combined with subtype measures.
Findings support the use of CT emphysema subtype progression as intermediate endpoints to enhance efficiency of clinical trials in COPD.

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