Comparison of a New Integral-Based Half-Band Method for CT Measurement of Peripheral Airways in COPD With a Conventional Full-Width Half-Maximum Method Using Both Phantom and Clinical CT Images.

This study aimed to compare an integral-based half-band method (IBHB) with a conventional full-width half-maximum (FWHM) method for measuring peripheral airway dimensions in COPD. The IBHB was validated using airway phantoms and applied to 50 COPD patients. Airway parameters were measured and compared between the two methods. Significant differences were found in thin-section CT measurements, with IBHB yielding smaller wall area percentage and wall thickness. Correlations with functional parameters (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, GOLD stage) were stronger with IBHB. Linear regression analysis showed that fifth-generation WA% measured by IBHB was an independent variable, improving predictability when combined with the emphysema index. IBHB offers a different approach to measuring airway dimensions and shows better correlations with functional parameters in COPD. The method has been transferred to AVIEW COPD by Coreline Soft.